Damping Device Adapted for Integration within a Gearshifting System

ABSTRACT

A damping device includes an annular chamber rotatably coupled with the gear selection assembly; a rotating element rotatably coupled with the chamber and fixedly coupled with a gear guide pulley of the gear selection device; and a damping grease volume, the damping grease volume contained under pressure between the chamber and the rotating element and adapted to transfer force between the chamber and to the rotating element. The damping device may be adapted for integration within a gear selection device and for coupling with a linear actuator of the gear selection device. The damping device may be coupled with both a chain pulley of the gear selection device and the linear actuator, wherein the damping device positions the chain pulley within the gear selection device as driven by the linear actuator. The gear selection device may be attached to or comprised within a wheeled vehicle, such as a bicycle.

CO-PENDING APPLICATION

The present Nonprovisional patent application is a Continuation-in-PartNonprovisional patent application to, and claims the priority date of,U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 15/703,273 filed on Sep.13, 2017 and titled “Wireless sprocket shifting control system”. ThisU.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 15/703,273 is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety and for all purposes into thepresent Nonprovisional patent application.

The present Nonprovisional patent Application is additionally aContinuation-in-Part Nonprovisional patent application to, and claimsthe priority date of, U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No.16/218,467 filed on Dec. 12, 2018 and titled “Gearshifting systemcomprising a linear actuator”. This U.S. Nonprovisional patentapplication Ser. No. 16/218,467 is hereby incorporated by reference inits entirety and for all purposes into the present Nonprovisional patentapplication.

BACKGROUND

The subject matter discussed in the background section should not beassumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in thebackground section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the backgroundsection or associated with the subject matter of the background sectionshould not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the priorart. The subject matter in the background section merely representsdifferent approaches, which in and of themselves may also be inventions.

Many chain driven vehicles, such as road and off-road bicycles, forexample, are equipped with a chain drive assembly including one or morechain rings attached to a crank and a rear wheel hub including afreewheel having a number of rear sprockets or cogs. Torque produced bya rider at the crank and chain rings is transmitted to the rearsprockets by a chain. The function of moving the chain from one of therear sprockets to another of the rear sprockets is accomplished by arear derailleur.

With respect to off-road bicycles, technological innovation, for examplethe prevalent use of active front and rear suspension, has permittedgreater speeds over increasingly technical terrain. This has presented achallenge to chain drive assembly engineers at least with respect toprevention of chain malfunction. This challenge is especially seen inmulti-geared bicycles that can experience severe changes in chaintension, primarily from riding over rough terrain.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a damping clutch,especially for a derailleur, such as but not limited to a bicyclederailleur, that can successfully and reliably be ridden over rough andchallenging terrain.

SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

Towards these and other objects of the method of the present invention(hereinafter, “the invented method”) that are made obvious to one ofordinary skill in the art in light of the present disclosure, aninvented damping clutch device is provided.

In certain preferred embodiments of the present invention, the inventeddamping clutch device is adapted for integration within a gear selectiondevice, such as but not limited to, a derailleur. A gear selectiondevice coupled with certain alternate preferred embodiments of theinvented damping clutch device may include a gear selection assembly anda gear guide pulley. The invented damping device may optionally oralternatively include (1.) an annular chamber rotatably coupled with thegear selection assembly; (2.) a rotating element rotatably coupled withthe chamber and fixedly coupled with the gear guide pulley; and/or (3.)a damping grease volume, the damping grease volume contained between thechamber and the rotating element and transferring force travellingbetween the chamber and to the rotating element.

In certain yet other alternate preferred embodiments of the presentinvention, the invented damping clutch device is adapted for integrationwithin a gear selection device, such as but not limited to a derailleur,and for coupling with a linear actuator of the gear selection device.

In certain even other preferred embodiments of the present invention,the invented damping clutch device is adapted for integration within agear selection device that comprises a derailleur.

The method of the present invention optionally further provides a system(hereinafter, “the invented system”) for control of derailleuroperations by wireless and/or hard wired communications means, and amethod of use thereof. The method of the present invention (hereinafter,“the invented method”) allows operator control of at least one linearactuator to cause a derailleur to shift gears.

According to certain optional aspects of the present invention(hereinafter, “the invented gearshift system”) includes a derailleurhaving a linear actuator that is adapted and applied to position abracket, whereby the positioning of the bracket determines a relativelocation of a chain pulley in relation to a device frame. A linkingelement may couple the bracket to the chain pulley and may optionally bedamped.

According to certain additional optional aspects of the inventedderailleur, the derailleur forms a parallelogram bracket assembly thatis rotatably coupled with the linear actuator, whereby linear motion ofan arm of the linear actuator causes the bracket assembly to rotatablymove relative to the linear actuator and optionally rotate relative tothe chain pulley. An additional optional coupling element of theinvented derailleur may rotatably couple to both the bracket assemblyand the chain pulley whereby linear mechanical force received from thebracket assembly is at least partially transferred to the chain pulley.

According to certain yet additional optional aspects of the inventedmethod, the invented derailleur may include a motor within or externalto the linear actuator that applies force to position the linearactuator arm. The motor may be electrically powered, such as but notlimited a direct current brush motor or a direct current brushlessmotor, and may be powered by a electrical power source, such as but notlimited to an electrical charge battery, that is internal oralternatively external to the device.

According to certain yet additional optional aspects of the inventedmethod, the invented derailleur may be coupled with one or more digitalmemory circuits that retain gearshift-setting values. Additionally andoptionally, the control unit may enable the user to make reprogrammablemicro-adjustments of the gearshift setting values as stored in one ormore memories. The invented derailleur may be electrically coupled toreceive electrical power from the electrical charge battery of thelinear actuator and/or one or more additional batteries.

According to certain still additional optional aspects of the inventedmethod, a control unit is provided with a communications pathway to thelinear actuator whereby a user may direct the coupled derailleur toupshift and/or downshift. The communications pathway may be hard wiredor wireless. In wireless embodiments of the control unit, the linearactuator is coupled with a paired circuit that receives and appliesupshift and/or downshift commands generated from the control unit asdirected by the user. In certain wireless embodiments of the controlunit, the communications pathway conforms with one or more publishedwireless communications standards, such as but not limited to, theBLUETOOTH™ wireless communications standard, a WiFi™ wirelesscommunications standard, and/or other suitable wireless communicationsstandards known in the art.

Alternatively, additionally or optionally, the control unit and/or thelinear actuator may be coupled with one or more digital memory circuitsthat retain gearshift-setting values. Additionally and optionally, thecontrol unit may enable the user to make adjustments of the gearshiftsetting values as stored in one or more memories. The control unit maybe electrically coupled to receive electrical power from the electricalcharge battery of the linear actuator and/or one or more additionalbatteries.

In certain preferred alternate embodiments of the invented method, theinvented derailleur and/or the control unit are coupled with anequipment or vehicular frame, such as but not limited to, a frame of abicycle, a tricycle, or other mechanical system having a derailleur.

It is understood that the scope of meaning of the term gear as appliedin the present disclosure includes the meaning of the term of art ofsprocket.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in thisspecification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent asif each individual publication, patent, or patent application wasspecifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.U.S. Pat. No. 9,475,547 titled “Derailleur with damping assembly” andissued on Oct. 25, 2016 to Inventor Jordan, Brian; U.S. Pat. No.10,047,816 titled “Damping strut with a hydraulic shock absorber andmethod for operating the damping strut” and issued on Aug. 14, 2018 toRipa, Thomas; U.S. Pat. No. 9,751,590 titled “Bicycle rear derailleurwith a damper assembly” issued on Sep. 5, 2017 to inventors Shipman; etal.; U.S. Pat. No. 8,066,597 titled “Electrically operated derailleurwith force overload protection” and issued on Nov. 29, 2011 to InventorSakaue, Tadashi; U.S. Pat. No. 9,676,444 titled “Electromechanical rearderailleur” and issued on Jun. 13, 2017 to Inventor Shipman,Christopher; U.S. Pat. No. 9,394,030 titled “Rear derailleur” and issuedon Jul. 19, 2016 to Inventor Shipman, Christopher; U.S. Pat. No.9,784,552 titled “Controllable Caliper” and issued on Oct. 10, 2017 toInventors Grosz, Gregory C. and Kros, Hans A.; and US Patent ApplicationPublication No. 20170355423 A1 titled “DERAILLEUR WITH DAMPER OF THECHAIN GUIDE” and published on Dec. 14, 2017 and referencing InventorCeli, Gabriel are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety andfor all purposes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The detailed description of some embodiments of the invention is madebelow with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numeralsrepresent corresponding parts of the figures.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a first preferred embodiment of theinvented system having a control module and a shifter module installedon a bicycle;

FIG. 2A is a more detailed block diagram of the first preferredembodiment of the invented system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is a detailed block diagram of the first preferred embodiment ofthe invented system of FIG. 1 with an optional smartphone;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the shifter module of the firstpreferred embodiment of the invented system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B is an exploded detailed view of the shifter module of the firstpreferred embodiment of the invented system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the control module of the firstpreferred embodiment of the invented system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4B is a block diagram of the control module of the first preferredembodiment of the invented system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the shifter module of the first preferredembodiment of the invented system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method of shifting up the gears of the firstpreferred embodiment of the invented system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method of shifting down the gears of thefirst preferred embodiment of the invented system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method of applying the smartphone of thefirst preferred embodiment of the invented system of FIG. 2 to configurethe servomotor of the shifter module of FIG. 1 in relation to the gearsof the bicycle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method of applying the smartphone of thefirst preferred embodiment of the invented system of FIG. 2 to configurea shutdown timer of the shifter module of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a method of applying the smartphone of thefirst preferred embodiment of the invented system of FIG. 2 to configurelow-power state of the shifter module of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a method of applying the smartphone of thefirst preferred embodiment of the invented system of FIG. 2 to configurea pairing of the shifter module of FIG. 1 in relation to the gears ofthe bicycle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a method of applying the control module of thefirst preferred embodiment of the invented system of FIG. 1 to configureservomotor positions of the shifter module of FIG. 1 in relation to thegears of the bicycle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of the smartphone of the first preferredembodiment of the invented system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 14 is an illustration of a second preferred embodiment of theinvented system having an alternate second invented control module andan invented derailleur installed on the bicycle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 15A is a side view of the derailleur of FIG. 14 while coupled withthe bicycle frame of FIG. 1;

FIG. 15B is a top view of the derailleur of FIG. 14 while coupled withthe bicycle frame of FIG. 1;

FIG. 16A is a side view the derailleur of FIG. 14 with a dropout bolt ofFIG. 15A shown in isolation from the bicycle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 16B is an exploded view the derailleur of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16C is a perspective side view of the derailleur of FIG. 14 shownin an assembled state;

FIG. 16D is a perspective side view of the device frame of FIG. 16B;

FIG. 17A is a perspective side view of the linear actuator of FIG. 16Bcoupled with the battery module of FIG. 16B;

FIG. 17B is a perspective side view of the linear actuator of FIG. 16B;

FIG. 17C is a cutaway side view of the linear actuator of FIG. 16B;

FIG. 18A is an exploded front view of the damping element assembly ofFIG. 15A;

FIG. 18B is a partial right back perspective view of an annular chamberof FIG. 18A coupled with a thumbscrew of the damping element assembly ofFIG. 18A;

FIG. 18C is a side perspective view of a rotatable tapped cap of thedamping element assembly of FIG. 15A and FIG. 18A;

FIG. 18D is an opposing side perspective view of the rotatable tappedcap of FIG. 18C;

FIG. 18E is a side perspective view of a fixed element of the dampingelement assembly of FIG. 15A and FIG. 18A;

FIG. 18F is an opposing perspective view of the fixed element of FIG.18E;

FIG. 18G is an internal perspective view of the damping element chamberof FIG. 18A that fits together with the hexagonal feature on the fixedelement of FIG. 18A and holds the fixed element of FIG. 18A in place;

FIG. 18H is a partial perspective view of the rotatable tapped cap ofFIG. 18C seated within the chamber of FIG. 18B;

FIG. 18I is a perspective isolated view of the thumbscrew of FIG. 18A,and also the rotatable tapped cap of FIG. 18A rotatably coupled with thefixed element of the damping element assembly of FIG. 18A;

FIG. 18J is an exploded perspective view of a cage bolt that is adaptedto be rotatably seated within a concave surface of a cage bolt stop wallof the damping element chamber of FIG. 18G;

FIG. 18K is a perspective side view of the cage bolt of FIG. 18Jrotatably seated within the concave surface of the cage bolt stop wallof FIG. 18G; and

FIG. 18L is an alternate perspective side view of the cage bolt of FIG.18J rotatably seated within the concave surface of the cage bolt stopwall of FIG. 18G.

FIG. 19A is a perspective view of the second control module of FIG. 14in an operational and fully assembled state;

FIG. 19B is an exploded view of the second control module of FIG. 14;

FIG. 19C is an additional exploded view of the second control module ofFIG. 14;

FIG. 20 is a block diagram of an alternate control module circuitry thatis comprised within the second control module of FIG. 14 and includesthe comms module 1918 of FIG. 19B;

FIG. 21 is a block diagram of a derailleur control circuitry that iscomprised within the derailleur of FIG. 14;

FIG. 22 is a block diagram of an instantiation of the gear PWM valuetable stored with the derailleur control circuitry of FIG. 21 and/or thealternate control module circuitry of FIG. 20;

FIG. 23 is a software flowchart of the derailleur of FIG. 14;

FIG. 24 is a software flowchart of the second control system of FIG. 14;

FIG. 25 is an alternate software flowchart of the derailleur of FIG. 14;

FIG. 26A is a block diagram of an exemplary derailleur adjustmentmessage as transmitted by the derailleur control circuitry of FIG. 21 tothe derailleur of FIG. 14;

FIG. 26B is a block diagram of an exemplary value reprogramming messageas transmitted by the derailleur control circuitry of FIG. 21 to thederailleur of FIG. 14; and

FIG. 27 is a process chart of a user experience of the inventedgearshift system of FIG. 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description of the invention, numerousdetails, examples, and embodiments of the invention are described.However, it will be clear and apparent to one skilled in the art thatthe invention is not limited to the embodiments set forth and that theinvention can be adapted for any of several applications.

It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particularaspects of the present invention described, as such may, of course,vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein isfor the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is notintended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention willbe limited only by the appended claims. Methods recited herein may becarried out in any order of the recited events which is logicallypossible, as well as the recited order of events.

Where a range of values is provided herein, it is understood that eachintervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unlessthe context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lowerlimit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in thatstated range, is encompassed within the invention. The upper and lowerlimits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in thesmaller ranges and are also encompassed within the invention, subject toany specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the statedrange includes one or both of the limits ranges excluding either or bothof those included limits are also included in the invention.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods andmaterials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also beused in the practice or testing of the present invention, the methodsand materials are now described.

It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, thesingular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise. It is further noted that the claimsmay be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statementis intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusiveterminology as “solely,” “only” and the like in connection with therecitation of claim elements, or use of a “negative” limitation.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 1, FIG.1 illustrates a first preferred embodiment of the invented system 100,(hereinafter, “the first system” 100) coupled with a frame 102 of abicycle 104. The first system 100 includes a shifter module 106(hereinafter, “the shifter” 106) and a remote control module(hereinafter, “the control module”) 108. The shifter 106 is coupled withboth the frame 102 and a derailleur 110 of the bicycle 104 and thecontrol module 108 is coupled with a handlebar 112 of the bicycle 104. Apair of pedals 114 & 116 of the bicycle 104 are used by a rider tomechanically power the bicycle 104.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 2A, FIG.2A illustrates a first preferred embodiment of the first system 100 witha chain-stay frame section 202, (hereinafter, “the chain-stay” 202) ofthe bicycle 104. The first system 100 includes the shifter 106 adaptedto the chain-stay 202 positioned next to a rear wheel 214 of the bicycle104 and the remote control 108. A CM wireless communication circuit 204of the control module 108 is adapted to transmit a wireless signal 206to a shifter wireless communication circuit 208 of the shifter 106directing the shifter 106 to change a chain 210 coupling positionbetween a plurality of sprockets 212 & 214 within the derailleur 110.The shifter wireless communication circuit 208 is preferably adapted andconfigured to send and receive wireless communications in conformancewith a wireless communications standard, such as but not limited theBLUETOOTH™ wireless communications standard as maintained by theBluetooth Special interest Group of Kirkland, Wash., or other suitablewireless communications standard known in the art.

The shifter 106 is coupled with a Bowden cable wire tension andcompression element 216, (hereinafter, “the Bowden wire” 216) whereinthe shifter 106 uses the Bowden wire 216 for controlling the connectionbetween the chain 210 and the sprockets 210 and 214 of the derailleur110. The CM wireless communication circuit 204 is preferably adapted andconfigured to send and receive wireless communications in conformancewith a wireless communications standard, such as but not limited theBLUETOOTH™ wireless communications standard as maintained by theBluetooth Special interest Group of Kirkland, Wash., or other suitablewireless communications standard known in the art.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 2B, FIG.2B illustrates a first system 100 with additional optional aspects. Theinvented system 100 optionally includes the shifter 106 coupled with thechain-stay 202 and positioned next to the rear wheel 214 of the bicycle104 and an optional electronic communication device 218, (hereinafter,“the smartphone” 218). The smartphone 218 may be or comprise a wirelesscommunications-enabled product or system such as, but not limited, to anIPHONE™ mobile phone that includes bundled software and is marketed byApple, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif., or other suitable communicationsdevice known in the art.

The CM wireless communication circuit 204 of the control module 108 isadapted to transmit a wireless signal 206 to the shifter wirelesscommunication circuit 208 of the shifter 106 and thereby directing theshifter 106 to change the chain 210 coupling position between thesprockets 212 and 214 within the derailleur 110. Furthermore, theshifter 106 is coupled with the Bowden wire 216 wherein the shifter 106uses the Bowden wire 216 for controlling the connection between thechain 210 and the sprockets 210 and 214 of the derailleur 110.Additionally, a third wireless communication circuit 220 of thesmartphone 218 is adapted to transmit a wireless signal 222 containing aconfiguration set point data to the shifter wireless communicationcircuit 208 of the shifter 106 wherein the configuration set point datais used for configuring the control of the connection between the chain210 and the sprockets 212 and 214 of the derailleur 110. The thirdwireless communications circuit 220 is preferably adapted and configuredto send and receive wireless communications in conformance with awireless communications standard, such as but not limited the BLUETOOTH™wireless communications standard as maintained by the Bluetooth Specialinterest Group of Kirkland, Wash., or other suitable wirelesscommunications standard known in the art.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 3A, FIG.3A illustrates a first preferred embodiment of the shifter 106 of thefirst system 100 coupled with the Bowden wire 216 wherein the Bowdenwire 216 is inserted into the shifter 106 through a cable housing 302 ofthe shifter 106. The shifter 106 is adapted with a PVC coated vinylstraps 304, (hereinafter, “the straps”) 304 wherein the straps 304 aresecurely coupled with the shifter body 106 with a clamps 306.Furthermore, the straps 304 are positioned directly above a moldedrubber bumper 308 for allowing a frictionless coupling of the shifter106 to the chain-stay 202.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 3B, FIG.3B illustrates the exploded view of a first preferred embodiment of theshifter 106 of the first system 100. The shifter 106 mechanism forcontrolling the connection between the chain 210 and the sprockets 210and 214 of the derailleur 110 consists of a servomotor 310communicatively coupled with a drive screw 312 using a spur gearreduction transmission 314, (hereinafter, “the transmission” 314), adrive nut 316 a servo control circuit 318, (hereinafter, “themicrocontroller” 318), and a potentiometer 320 for electronicallymeasuring the position of the drive nut 316 along the axis of the drivescrew 312.

It is understood that the servomotor 310 may be or comprise a linearactuator, a brushless DC motor, a brush DC motor, a motor encoder, adriveshaft, a drive screw, a linear drive screw, a linear potentiometerand/or other suitable motor or actuator known in the art. As theservomotor 310 through transmission 314 changes the position of thedrive nut 316 along the axis of the drive screw 312 the drive nut 316applies tension or compression to the Bowden wire 216 attached to thedrive nut 316 causing it to switch the connection between the chain 210and the sprockets 210 and 214 of the derailleur 110. Furthermore, theposition of the drive nut 316 for switching to each of the sprockets 210and 214 is electrically measured by the potentiometer resistance valuesand saved into a shifter memory 321 of the microcontroller 318, a shownin FIG. 5. Thereafter, when the microcontroller 318 receives theinstruction for changing the chain 210 coupling with the sprockets 210or 214 from the shifter wireless communication circuit 208 themicrocontroller 318 uses saved potentiometer values for directingservomotor 310 to move the drive nut 316 into a position correspondingto each of the sprockets 210 or 214 coupling with the chain 210.

The shifter 106 enclosure body consists of an assembly plates 322 and324 and the molded rubber bumper 308 wherein the straps 304 are securelycoupled with the shifter 106 body using the clamps 306 and a screws 326.Additionally, the shifter 106 receives electric power from a batteries328 located behind a battery compartment plate 330 accessible through abattery compartment door 332 coupled with a O-ring 334, a positivecontact plate 336 and secured with a screw 338.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 4A, FIG.4A illustrates a first preferred embodiment of the remote control 108 ofthe first system 100 coupled with a handlebar 112 of the bicycle 104using a handlebar mount 402 and a handlebar mount fastener 404. Theremote control 108 contains a shift-up button 406 and a shift-downbutton 408 for initiating commands to change the connection between thechain 210 and the sprockets 210 and 214 of the derailleur 110, a lowpower light indicator 410 and a remote broadcast mode button 412 forinitiating the wireless pairing process between the shifter 106 and theremote control 108. Optionally, the remote control 108 includes a gearconfiguration initiation button 416, a configuration test button 418, aconfiguration save button 420, a next sprocket selection button 422 anda configuration confirmation light 424 for optionally providing aconfiguration set point data to the shifter 106 wherein theconfiguration set point data is used for configuring the control of theconnection between the chain 210 and the sprockets 210 and 214 of thederailleur 110.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 4B, FIG.4B is a block diagram of the control module 108. A control modulecontroller 426 is bi-directionally communicatively coupled by a controlmodule power and communications bus 428 (hereinafter, “the CM bus” 428)with the control module elements 204 & 406-430. The CM bus 428additionally distributes electrical power from the control modulebattery 432 to the control module elements 204 & 406-430. A controlmodule memory 430 (hereinafter, “the CM memory” 430) stores a controlmodule system software 434 (hereinafter “the CM software” 434). The CMsoftware 434 includes software encoded instruction that enable thecontrol module 108 to instantiate and perform all relevant tasks in theoperation of the control module 108 as required or optionally directedby the invented method to include the method and the process steps ofFIGS. 6 through 12 as disclosed herein. A copy of anencryption/decryption software EN.SW also maintained by the CM memory430 enables the control module 108 to encrypt messages prior totransmission and decrypt messages after receipt as required or directedby the invented method to include the method and the process steps ofFIGS. 6 through 12 as disclosed herein. For example, theencryption/decryption software EN.SW enables the control module 108 toselectively encrypt information transmitted in step 606 of FIG. 6, 706of FIG. 7, and step 1210 of FIG. 12 prior to said transmissions.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 5, FIG.5 is a block diagram of aspects of the shifter 106 and shows shifterpower and control bus 500 (hereinafter “SBUS” 500) bi-directionallycommunicatively coupling the microcontroller 318 with the shifterwireless communications interface 208, the servomotor 310 and thepotentiometer 320. The SBUS 500 additionally distributes electricalpower from the shifter batteries 328 to certain other elements 208,310-321 of the shifter 106. The shifter memory 321 stores a plurality ofconfiguration set point data 502, a second copy of theencryption/decryption software EN2.SW and a shifter system software 504(hereinafter “the S software” 504). The S software 504 includes softwareencoded instruction that enable the shifter 106 to instantiate andperform all relevant tasks in the operation of the shifter as requiredor optionally directed by the invented method and the process steps ofFIGS. 6 through 12 as disclosed herein. The second copy ofencryption/decryption software EN2.SW enables the shifter 106 to encryptmessages prior to transmission and decrypt messages after receipt asrequired or directed by the invented method to include the method andthe process steps of FIGS. 6 through 12 as disclosed herein. Forexample, the second encryption/decryption software EN2.SW enables theshifter 106 to selectively decrypt encrypted information received instep 608 of FIG. 6, 708 of FIG. 7, step 814 of FIG. 8, 914 of FIG. 9,1014 of FIG. 10, 1118 of FIG. 11, and step 1212 of FIG. 12 after receiptof transmissions.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 6, FIG.6 is a flowchart of operations of the first system 100 wherein thecontrol module 108 is in communication with the shifter 106 and thecontrol module 108 directs the actions of the shifter 106 to apply upshifting the derailleur 110. In step 600 the control module 108 isenergized and in step 602 the control module establishes wirelesscommunications connectivity with the shifter 106. In step 604 thecontrol module 108 detects a user selection of the shift-up button 406and in step 606 wirelessly transmits a gear up shift command to theshifter 106. The shifter 106 receives the wireless gear up shift commandof step 606 in step 608.

The shifter 106 determines whether the chain 210 is currently engagedwith the highest gear of the derailleur 110 in step 610, and if theshifter 106 determines that the chain 210 is not currently engaged withthe highest gear of the derailleur 110, the shifter 106 proceeds on fromstep 610 to step 612 and then causes the chain 210 to move up to engagea next higher gear of the derailleur 110 in steps 612 through 618. Instep 612 the shifter 106 increments a gear index value and provides theincremented gear index value to the servomotor 310 in step 614. Theservomotor 310 causes the derailleur 110 to move to implement theinstant gear up instruction and the chain 210 thereupon engages with anext higher gear in step 618. The first system 100 proceeds from step618 and back to step 602.

In the alternative outcome to step 610, when the shifter 106 determinesthat the chain 210 is currently engaged with the highest gear of thederailleur 110, the shifter 106 proceeds back to step 602.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 7, FIG.7 is a flowchart of operations of the first system 100 wherein thecontrol module 108 is in communication with the shifter 106 and thecontrol module 108 directs the actions of the shifter 106 to apply downshifting of the derailleur 110. In step 700 the control module 108 isenergized and in step 702 the control module 108 establishes wirelesscommunications connectivity with the shifter 106. In step 704 thecontrol module 108 detects a user selection of the shift-down button 408and in step 706 wirelessly transmits a gear down shift command to theshifter 106. The shifter 106 receives the wireless gear down shiftmessage of step 706 in step 708.

The shifter 106 determines whether the chain 210 is currently engagedwith the lowest gear of the derailleur 110 in step 610, and if theshifter 106 determines that the chain 210 is not currently engaged withthe lowest gear of the derailleur 110, the shifter proceeds on from step710 to step 712 and then causes the chain 210 to move down to engage ahigher gear of the derailleur 110 in steps 712 through 718. In step 712the shifter 106 decrements the gear index value and provides thedecremented gear index value to the servomotor 310 in step 714. Theservomotor 310 causes the derailleur 110 to move to implement theinstant gear down instruction and the chain 210 thereupon engages with anext lower gear in step 718. The first system 100 proceeds from step 718and back to step 702.

In the alternative outcome to step 710, when the shifter 106 determinesthat the chain 210 is currently engaged with the lowest gear of thederailleur 110, the shifter 106 proceeds back to step 702.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 8, FIG.8 is a flowchart of operations of the first system 100 wherein theoptional smartphone 218 is in communication with the shifter 106 andwhereby the user is enabled to configure gear options as wouldthereafter be applied by the shifter 106. In step 800 the smartphone 218is energized and in step 802 the smartphone 218 is available to

receive an automated wireless communications connectivity request fromthe shifter 106. In step 804 the smartphone 218 determines whether anautomated wireless communications connectivity request has been receivedfrom the shifter 106 and proceeds back to step 802 when no suchconnectivity request message receipt is detected.

In the alternative, when the smartphone 218 determines in step 804 thata connectivity request message from the shifter 106 has been received,the first system 100 initiates a communications session between thesmartphone 218 and the shifter 106 in step 806. The first system 100proceeds from step 806 to perform an iteration of the loop of steps 808through 820. In step 808 the smartphone 218 renders a configuration menuof gear options as informed by information received from the shifter106. In step 810 the user optionally directs the smartphone 218 toenable a modification of gear option information optionally as receivedfrom the shifter 106. The user enters gear position updates andmodifications into the smartphone 218 in step 812, and in step 814 theshifter 106 receives this gear position updates and modificationinformation and stores the received gear position updates andmodification information in the shifter memory 321.

The user further optionally enters servomotor location specificationsfor one or more individual gear positions into the smartphone 218 instep 816, and in step 818 the shifter 106 receives this servomotorlocation specification information and stores the received servomotorlocation specification information in the shifter memory 321. The usernext directs the smartphone 218 in step 820 whether to proceed ontoalternate computational operations in step 822, or in the alternative toproceed back to an additional execution of step 808.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 9, FIG.9 is a flowchart of operations of the first system 100 wherein theoptional smartphone 218 is in communication with the shifter 106 andwhereby the user is enabled configure an automatic shutdown timerfunction the of the shifter 106. In step 900 the smartphone 218 isenergized and in step 902 the smartphone 218 is available to

receive an automated wireless communications connectivity request fromthe shifter 106. In step 904 the smartphone 218 determines whether anautomated wireless communications connectivity request has been receivedfrom the shifter 106 and proceeds back to step 902 when no suchconnectivity request message receipt is detected.

In the alternative, when the smartphone 218 determines in step 904 thata connectivity request message from the shifter 106 has been received,the first system 100 initiates a communications session between thesmartphone 218 and the shifter 106 in step 906. The first system 100proceeds from step 906 to perform an iteration of the loop of steps 908through 916. In step 908 the smartphone 218 renders a configuration menuas informed by information received from the shifter 106. In step 910the user optionally selects and initiates an automatic shutdown timevalue configuration utility of the smartphone system software M.SYS.SW.The smartphone 218 optionally in step 912 receives a user entered oruser selected time value and communicates the user specified time valueto the to the shifter 106. When received, the shifter 106 stores thetime value as transmitted in step 912 and stores this time value in theshifter memory 321 as an automatic shut down time value in step 916.

The user next directs the smartphone 218 in step 916 whether to proceedonto alternate computational operations in step 918, or in thealternative to proceed back to an additional execution of step 908.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 10, FIG.10 is a flowchart of operations of the first system 100 wherein theoptional smartphone 218 is in communication with the shifter 106 wherebythe user is enabled configure a low power state of the shifter 106. Instep 1000 the smartphone 218 is energized and in step 1002 thesmartphone 218 is available to

receive an automated wireless communications connectivity request fromthe shifter 106. In step 1004 the smartphone 218 determines whether anautomated wireless communications connectivity request has been receivedfrom the shifter 106 and proceeds back to step 1002 when no suchconnectivity request message receipt is detected.

In the alternative, when the smartphone 218 determines in step 1004 thata connectivity request message from the shifter 106 has been received,the first system 100 initiates a communications session between thesmartphone 218 and the shifter 106 in step 1006. The first system 100proceeds from step 1006 to perform an iteration of the loop of steps1008 through 1016. In step 1008 the smartphone 218 renders aconfiguration menu as informed by information received from the shifter106. In step 1010 the user optionally selects and initiates a low powerconfiguration utility of the smartphone system software M.SYS.SW. Thesmartphone 218 optionally in step 1012 receives a user entered or userselected low power gear location specifications intended to define a lowpower state of the shifter 106, and thereupon transmits the low powergear location specifications to the to the shifter 106. When received,the shifter 106 stores the low power gear location specifications astransmitted in step 1012 and stores these specifications in the shiftermemory 321 in step 1014.

The user next directs the smartphone 218 in step 1016 whether to proceedonto alternate computational operations in step 1018, or in thealternative to proceed back to an additional execution of step 1008.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 11, FIG.11 is a flowchart of operations of the first system 110 wherein theoptional smartphone 218 is in communication with the shifter 106 wherebythe user is enabled to perform a wireless communications pairing of theshifter 106 and an additional remote communications device (not shown).In step 1100 the smartphone 218 is energized and in step 1102 thesmartphone 218 is available to receive an automated wirelesscommunications connectivity request from the shifter 106. In step 1104the smartphone 218 determines whether an automated wirelesscommunications connectivity request has been received from the shifter106 and proceeds back to step 1102 when no such connectivity requestmessage receipt is detected.

In the alternative, when the smartphone 218 determines in step 1104 thata connectivity request message from the shifter 106 has been received,the first system 110 initiates a communications session between thesmartphone 218 and the shifter 106 in step 1106. The first system 110proceeds from step 1106 to perform an iteration of the loop of steps1108 through 1120. In step 1108 the smartphone 218 renders aconfiguration menu as informed by information received from the shifter106. In step 1110 the user optionally selects and initiates a remotepairing configuration utility of the smartphone system softwareM.SYS.SW. The smartphone 218 optionally in step 1112 receives a userselection of a remote broadcast mode and in step 1114 renders a listingof device identifiers of possible devices for selection by the use forcommunications pairing with the shifter 106.

The smartphone 218 optionally in step 1116 receives a user selection ofa remote device identifier as rendered in step 1114 and a deviceidentifier, e.g., universally unique identifier, known in the art as aUUID, associated with the selected remote device identifier as a networkaddress, i.e. a or unique identifier is transmitted from the smartphone218 to the shifter 106. The shifter 106 in step 1118 stores the deviceidentifier received from the smartphone 218 in the shifter memory 321.

The user next directs the smartphone 218 in step 1120 whether to proceedonto alternate computational operations in step 1124, or in thealternative to proceed back to an additional execution of step 1108.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 12, FIG.12 is a flowchart of operations of the first system 120 wherein thecontrol module 108 is in communication with the shifter 106 and wherebythe user is enabled to perform a configuration of the servomotor setpoints of the shifter 106 relative to one or more gears of thederailleur 110. These servomotor settings of the shifter 106 will beimplemented upon receipt by the shifter of user gear selection commandsas entered via the control module 108 by the user in later operation ofthe bicycle 104. In step 1200 the control module 108 is energized and instep 1202 the first system 120 initiates a communications sessionbetween the control module 108 and the shifter 106 in step 1202. Thefirst system 120 proceeds from step 1206 wherein the user may optionallyselects and initiates a servomotor configuration utility of the controlmodule 108 CM.SYS.SW by pressing the gear configuration button 416 ofthe control module 106. The control module 108 optionally in step 1206illuminates the user module confirmation light 424 to assure and informthe user that the servomotor configuration utility of the control module108 CM.SYS.SW is activated. In step 1208 the servomotor 310 ispositioned at the lowest gear selection position and in step 1210 theuser enters a new servomotor configuration set point data into thecontrol module 106 and the user control module 106 transmits this newlyreceived servomotor configuration set point data to the shifter 106.

The shifter 106 updates the servomotor position settings as stored inthe shifter memory 321 with the newly received servomotor configurationset point data in step 1214. The user may optionally test, by operationof the invented system 100, the effect of application by the shifter 106of the newly received servomotor configuration set point data in gearshifting of the derailleur 110 in step 1216. The user directs theshifter in step 1218 to either proceed onto save the newly receivedservomotor configuration set point data for continued application bypressing the save gear configuration button 420 of the control module108. When the control module 108 does not detect a selection of the savegear configuration button in step 1218, the invented system 100 proceedsback to another execution of step 1212.

In the alternative, when the control module 108 does not detect aselection of the save gear configuration button in step 1218, thecontrol module 108 directs the shifter 106 in step 1220 to save the newconfiguration set point data in the shifter memory 321 for continued inapplication in operation of the shifter 106. In step 1222 the firstsystem 100 determines via inputs to the user module 108 if the user hasdirected the control module 108 to receive additional servomotorconfiguration set point data.

When the first system 100 determines in step 1222 that the user hasdirected the control module 108 to receive additional servomotorconfiguration set point data, the first system 100 proceeds onto step1224 and receives an additional gear selection by the user via thecontrol module 108. The first system 100 proceeds from step 1224 to anadditional execution of step 1210.

When the first system 100 determines in step 1222 that the user has notdirected the control module 108 to receive additional servomotorconfiguration set point data, the first system 100 proceeds ontoalternate operations of step 1226.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 13, FIG.13 is a block diagram of aspects of the smartphone 218 and shows atelephone communications and power bus 1300 (hereinafter “TEL BUS” 1300)bi-directionally communicatively coupling a telephone CPU 1302 with thethird wireless communications interface 220, a telephone memory 1304, avisual display module 1306, and a user input module 1308. The TEL BUS1300 additionally distributes electrical power from a telephone battery1310 to certain other elements 220 & 1300-1308 of the shifter 106. Thetelephone memory 1304 stores third copy of an encryption/decryptionsoftware EN2.SW and an applications software APP.SW. The applicationssoftware APP.SW includes software encoded instruction that enable thesmartphone 218 to instantiate and perform all relevant tasks in theoperation of the shifter as required or optionally directed by theinvented method and the process steps of FIGS. 6 through 12 as disclosedherein. The third copy of encryption/decryption software EN3.SW enablesthe smartphone 218 to encrypt messages prior to transmission and decryptmessages after receipt as required or directed by the invented method toinclude the method and the process steps of FIGS. 6 through 12 asdisclosed herein. For example, the third copy of thenencryption/decryption software EN3.SW enables the control module 108 toselectively encrypt information transmitted in step 812 of FIG. 8, 912of FIG. 9, step 1012 of FIG. 10, and step 1116 of FIG. 11 prior to saidtransmissions.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 14, FIG.14 illustrates a second preferred embodiment of the invented system1400, (hereinafter, “the invented gearshift system” 1400) coupled withthe frame 102 of the bicycle 104. The invented gearshift system 1400includes an invented derailleur module 1402 (hereinafter, “thederailleur” 1402) and a second control module 1404 (hereinafter, “thesecond control module” 1404). The derailleur 1402 is coupled with theframe 102 of the bicycle 104 and a plurality of sprockets 1406 and thesecond control module 1404 is coupled with a handlebar 112 of thebicycle 104. The plurality of sprockets 1406 include the sprockets 212 &214.

One or more elements of the derailleur 1402 may consist of or comprisemetal, a metal alloy, aluminum, machined aluminum, plastic, moldedplastic, injection molded plastic, or other suitable material known inthe art in singularity or in combination.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 15A,FIG. 15A is a side view of the derailleur 1402 while coupled with thebicycle frame 102 by a detachable dropout bolt 1500 that extends througha connecting plate 1501 of the bicycle 104. The connecting plate 1501Ais rigidly and optionally detachably coupled with the bicycle 104 at thecentral rotational axis of the plurality of sprockets 1406 by a bolt1501B.

The derailleur 1402 includes a cage plate 1502 and a damping elementassembly 1504 that are rotatably coupled. The damping element assembly1504 includes a damping element body 1506 and a damping element bolt1508 as further discussed herein and particularly in reference to FIG.18. The cage plate 1502 is rotatably connected to a tension pulley 1510by a tension pulley bolt 1512, wherein the tension pulley bolt 1512extends through both the cage plate 1502 and the tension pulley 1510 andpermits the tension pulley 1510 to rotate.

The cage plate 1502 is additionally rotatably connected to a guidepulley 1514 by a guide pulley bolt 1516, wherein the guide pulley bolt1516 extends through both the cage plate 1502 and the guide pulley 1514and permits the guide pulley 1514 to rotate.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 15B,FIG. 15B is a top view of the derailleur 1402. A plurality of fourbracket bolts 1518A-1518D of the derailleur 1402 each define separateand preferably parallel axes of rotation within the derailleur 1402. Anactuator arm bolt 1520 of the derailleur 1402 extends along a fifth axisof rotation within the derailleur 1402, wherein the fifth axis ofrotation is preferably parallel to the axes of rotation of the bracketbolts 1518A-1518D.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 16A,FIG. 16A is a side view the derailleur 1402 with the dropout bolt 1500and shown in isolation from both the bicycle 104 and from the secondcontrol module 1404 of the invented gearshift system 1400. As discussedin reference to FIG. 15A, the derailleur 1402 includes the cage plate1502 and the damping element assembly 1504 that are rotatably coupled.The cage plate 1502 is rotatably connected to the tension pulley 1510 bythe tension pulley bolt 1512, wherein the tension pulley bolt 1512extends through both the cage plate 1502 and the tension pulley 1510 andpermits the tension pulley 1510 to rotate.

The cage plate 1502 is additionally rotatably connected to the guidepulley 1514 by the guide pulley bolt 1516, wherein the guide pulley bolt1516 extends through both the cage plate 1502 and the guide pulley 1514and permits the guide pulley 1514 to rotate.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 16B,FIG. 16B is an exploded view the derailleur 1402 shown in isolation fromboth the bicycle 104 and from the second control module 1402 of theinvented gearshift system 1400. A detachably attachable battery module1600 is shown separated from a linear actuator 1602. A device frame 1604includes a drop out bolt aperture 1604A shaped and sized to allow thedropout bolt 1500 to extend fully trough the device frame 1604. A tappedb-tension screw receiver 1604B is adapted to accept a prior art threadedb-tension screw (not shown) for further attachment of device frame 1604to the bicycle frame 102. A first frame receiver 1604C is adapted toaccept a traversal of the fourth bracket bolt 1518D fully therethrough.A second frame receiver 1604D is adapted to accept a traversal of thefirst bracket bolt 1518A fully therethrough.

A connecting bolt 1606 is applied to rotatably couple the device frame1604 to the linear actuator 1602 as further described in reference toFIG. 16C and FIG. 17B.

A guide arm 1608 includes a first untapped bracket receiver 1608A and afirst untapped bracket receiver 1608B. The first untapped bracketreceiver 1608A is adapted to accept a traversal of the first bracketbolt 1518A and the first untapped bracket receiver 1608B is adapted toaccept a traversal of the first bracket bolt 1518A. The guide arm 1608further includes a second untapped bracket receiver 1608C and a secondtapped bracket receiver 1608D. The second untapped bracket receiver1608C is adapted to accept a traversal of the second bracket bolt 1518Band the second tapped bracket receiver 1608D is adapted to accept andengage with a threaded end of the second bracket bolt 1518B.

The damping element assembly 1504 includes the damping body 1506 thatforms a first damping receiver 1506A and a second damping receiver1506B. The first damping receiver 1506A is adapted to accept a traversalof the second bracket bolt 1518B fully therethrough. The second dampingreceiver 1506B is adapted to accept a traversal of the third bracketbolt 1518C fully therethrough.

A drive arm 1610 includes a third untapped bracket receiver 1610A and athird untapped bracket receiver 1610B. The third untapped bracketreceiver 1610A is adapted to accept a traversal of the fourth bracketbolt 1518D and the third untapped bracket receiver 1610B is adapted toaccept a traversal of the fourth bracket bolt 1518D. The drive arm 1610further includes a fourth untapped bracket receiver 1610C and a fourthtapped bracket receiver 1610D. The fourth untapped bracket receiver1610C is adapted to accept a traversal of the third bracket bolt 1518Cand the fourth tapped bracket receiver 1610D is adapted to accept andengage with a threaded end of the third bracket bolt 1518C. Anadditional arm bolt receiver 1610E of the drive arm 1610 is adapted toreceive and enable a full traversal of the actuator arm bolt 1520.

Referring still generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 16B,FIG. 16B is and as discussed in reference to FIG. 15A and FIG. 16A, thederailleur 1402 includes the cage plate 1502 and the damping elementassembly 1504 that are rotatably coupled. The cage plate 1502 isrotatably connected to the tension pulley 1510 by the tension pulleybolt 1512, wherein the tension pulley bolt 1512 extends through both thecage plate 1502 and the tension pulley 1510 and permits the tensionpulley 1510 to rotate. The cage plate 1502 is additionally rotatablyconnected to the guide pulley 1514 by the guide pulley bolt 1516,wherein the guide pulley bolt 1516 extends through both the cage plate1502 and the guide pulley 1514 and permits the guide pulley 1514 torotate.

A frame bottom plate 1612 includes a trio of tapped frame plateapertures 1612A, 1612B & 1612C that are sized, shaped and positioned inthe frame bottom plate 1612 to separately accept and permit traversal oftapped portions of connecting bolts 1606, 1518A and 1518D. Whereby theframe bottom plate 1612 is detachably coupled with the device frame1604.

A trio of untapped plate apertures 1614A, 1614B & 1614C are sized,shaped and positioned in the cage plate 1502 to separately accept andpermit traversal of threaded portions of any one of a trio of cagescrews 1616A, 1616B & 1616C. The cage screws 1616A, 1616B & 1616C aresized and shaped to engage with a trio of tapped cap receivers 1812A,1812B & 1812C as presented in FIG. 18C.

It is understood that the linear actuator 1602, the damping elementassembly 1504, the drive arm 1610, and the guide arm 1608 form aparallelogram bracket 1617 that has four vertices, wherein one bolt1518A, 1518B, 1518C & 1518D is separately and individually placed at avertex of the parallelogram bracket 1617. It is further understood thatin the fully assembled derailleur that the actuator arm bolt 1520 of thederailleur 1402 is intentionally positioned at a location that is notequidistant between the operational locations of the third bracket bolt1518C fourth bracket bolt 1518D. This offset placement of the actuatorarm bolt 1520 relative to the third bracket bolt 1518C fourth bracketbolt 1518 causes the parallelogram bracket 1617 to be biased relation tothe cage plate 1502.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 16C,FIG. 16C is a perspective side view of the invented derailleur 1402shown in an assembled state.

The device frame 1604 includes an extension 1604E that forms both anuntapped connecting bolt receiver 1604F and an untapped connecting boltreceiver 1604G. The untapped connecting bolt receiver 1604F is adaptedto accept a traversal of the connecting bolt 1606 fully therethrough,and the tapped connecting bolt receiver 1604G is adapted to accept atraversal of the connecting bolt 1606 fully therethrough. In addition,the linear actuator 1602 forms an untapped connecting bolt actuatorreceiver 1602A that is adapted to accept a traversal of the connectingbolt 1606 fully therethrough. Referring now generally to the Figures andparticularly to FIG. 16D and FIG. 16B, FIG. 16D is a perspective sideview of the device frame 1604 shown in isolation. As described inreference to FIG. 16B, the drop out bolt aperture 1604A shaped and sizedto allow the dropout bolt 1500 to extend fully through the device frame1604; the tapped connection receiver 1604B is adapted to accept a priorart b-tension screw (not shown) for further coupling of attachment to ofthe device frame 1604 to the bicycle frame 102; the first frame receiver1604C is adapted to accept a traversal of the fourth bracket bolt 1518Dfully therethrough; and the second frame receiver 1604D is adapted toaccept a traversal of the first bracket bolt 1518A fully therethrough.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 16D andFIG. 16C, the device frame 1604 includes the extension 1604E that formsboth the untapped connecting bolt receiver 1604F and the tappedconnecting bolt receiver 1604G. The untapped connecting bolt receiver1604F is adapted to accept a traversal of the connecting bolt 1606 fullytherethrough, and the tapped connecting bolt receiver 1604G is adaptedto engage with the threaded end of the connecting bolt 1606.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 17A,FIG. 17A is a perspective side view of the linear actuator 1602 coupledwith the battery module 1600 and shown otherwise in isolation from theremainder of the derailleur 1402 and the invented gearshift system 1400.As disclosed in the description accompanying FIG. 16C, the untappedconnecting bolt actuator receiver 1602A is adapted to accept a traversalof the connecting bolt 1606 fully through an actuator bolt aperture1602B. An actuator arm 1602C of the linear actuator 1602 is providedintegrated with an arm connection feature 1602D that forms an untappedtapped arm receiving aperture 1602E. The untapped arm receiving aperture1602E is adapted to enable a full traversal of the of the actuator armbolt 1520.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 17B andFIG. 17C, FIG. 17B is a perspective side view of the linear actuator1602 and FIG. 17C is a cutaway side view of the linear actuator 1602. Asdisclosed in the description accompanying FIG. 17A, the untappedconnecting bolt actuator receiver 1602A is adapted to accept a traversalof the connecting bolt 1606 fully through the actuator bolt aperture1602B. the actuator arm 1602C of the linear actuator 1602 is providedintegrated with the arm connection feature 1602D that forms the untappedarm receiving aperture 1602E. The untapped arm receiving aperture 1602Eis adapted to enable a full traversal of the of the actuator arm bolt1520.

An actuator body 1602F formed by a first actuator body half 1602F1 thatjoin with a second actuator body half 1602F2 to provide a platformand/or protect various actuator elements 1604A-1604X, such as theactuator arm 1602C and the actuator arm features of a wiper 1602G andO-ring seal 1602H. The wiper is electrically conductive and is adaptedand positioned to move along a length dimension of a potentiometer 1602Iof a linear actuator motor assembly 1602J. The linear actuator motorassembly 1602I further includes a lead screw 1602K, a power and signalpathway 1602L, a linear actuator microcontroller 1602M, a motor 1602N, atransmission 16020, a first gear 1602P, a second gear 1602Q. The motor1602N may be electrically powered, such as but not limited a directcurrent brush motor or a direct current brushless motor, and may bepowered by a electrical power source, such as but not limited to theelectrical battery module 1600, that is internal or alternativelyexternal to the device.

Electrical power and signals received by the power and signal pathway1602L from a derailleur controller module 1602R are delivered to thelinear actuator microcontroller 1602M, whereupon a pre-established logicof the linear actuator microcontroller 1602M determines how receivedpower is transferred to the linear actuator motor 1602N and in view ofthe position of wiper 1602G in relation to, and detected via, thepotentiometer 1602I. The linear actuator motor 1602N rotates the firstgear 1602P and the first gear 1602P in return rotates the second gear1602Q. The second gear 1602Q engages with the lead screw 1602K and therotation of the second gear 1602Q causes the lead screw 1602K toaccurately and detectably, i.e., by signal strength of the potentiometer1602I as detected by the linear actuator microcontroller 1602M, to varythe position of the arm 1602C. It is understood that the linear actuatormicrocontroller 1602M applies the means and method of the electricallyconductive wiper 1602G making electrical contact with the potentiometer1602I and having a feedback logic of the linear actuator microcontroller1602M varying the position of the arm 1602C until the desiredmeasurement relevant to the last pulse width modulated signal receivedfrom the 1602R is detected by the linear actuator microcontroller 1602M.

The derailleur controller module 1602R includes a derailleurmicroprocessor 1602S and an intermediate power and signal pathway 1602T.An interposed plate 1602V includes a trio of tapped plate apertures1602V1, 1602V2 & 1602V3 that separately engage with one of a trio ofelectrically conductive threaded contacts 1602W1, 1602W2 & 1602W3. Thethreaded contacts 1602BW1, 1602W2 & 1602W3 are adapted to provideelectrical power to the derailleur controller module 1602R.

A top clip 1602X is rotatably coupled to both the actuator body 1602Fand is adapted to detachably secure the battery module 1600 to thelinear actuator 1602; a spring 1602Y is positioned to drive the top clip1602X into the battery module 1600.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 18A is an exploded front view of the damping element assembly ofFIG. 15A;

FIG. 18B is a partial right back perspective view of an annular chamberof FIG. 18A coupled with a thumbscrew of the damping element assembly ofFIG. 18A;

FIG. 18C is a side perspective view of a rotatable tapped cap of thedamping element assembly of FIG. 15A and FIG. 18A;

FIG. 18D is an opposing side perspective view of the rotatable tappedcap of FIG. 18C;

FIG. 18E is a side perspective view of a fixed element of the dampingelement assembly of FIG. 15A and FIG. 18A;

FIG. 18F is an opposing perspective view of the fixed element of FIG.18E;

FIG. 18G is an internal perspective view of the damping element chamberof FIG. 18A that fits together with the hexagonal feature on the fixedelement of FIG. 18A and holds the fixed element of FIG. 18A in place;

FIG. 18H is a partial perspective view of the rotatable tapped cap ofFIG. 18C seated within the chamber of FIG. 18B;

FIG. 18I is a perspective isolated view of the thumbscrew of FIG. 18A,and also the rotatable tapped cap of FIG. 18A rotatably coupled with thefixed element of the damping element assembly of FIG. 18A;

FIG. 18J is an exploded perspective view of a cage bolt that is adaptedto be rotatably seated within a concave surface of a cage bolt stop wallof the damping element chamber of FIG. 18G;

FIG. 18K is a perspective side view of the cage bolt of FIG. 18Jrotatably seated within the concave surface of the cage bolt stop wallof FIG. 18G; and

FIG. 18L is an alternate perspective side view of the cage bolt of FIG.18J rotatably seated within the concave surface of the cage bolt stopwall of FIG. 18G.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 18A andFIG. 15A, FIG. 18A is an exploded view of the damping element assembly1504 shown in the side view of FIG. 15A. In operation, an annularchamber 1800 is rotatably coupled with a thumbscrew 1802 to form thedamping element body 1506 of the damping element assembly 1504. Thedamping element assembly 1504 further includes a helical torsion spring1804, a fixed element 1806, a first bushing 1808 and a second bushing1810 and a rotatable tapped cap 1812. The chamber 1800 and the rotatabletapped cap 1812 are rotatably coupled by the bolt 1508 and support themaintenance of the a helical torsion spring 1804. The helical torsionspring 1804 provides a restoring moment against the oscillation of thechain 210 of when the bike 104 is traversing rocky or otherwise uneventerrain.

The bolt 1508 includes a bolt head 1818A, a shaft 1818B having athreaded length 1818C, a relieved feature 1818D, and a distal tip 1818E.The distal tip 1818E is located on the bolt 1508 distally from the bolthead 1818A along an elongate axis 1818F of the bolt 1508. The head 1818Aextends peripherally beyond the shaft 1818B in relation to the elongateaxis 1818F of the bolt 1508, whereby the shaft 1818B passes through therotatable tapped cap 1812 but the bolt head 1818A is oversized toinhibit a traversal of the bolt head 1818B into the rotatable tapped cap1812.

In operation and when the damping element assembly 1504 is fullyassembled, a volume of a damping grease 1814 resides between the fixedelement 1806 and the rotatable tapped cap 1812. The damping grease 1814preferably comprises a high internal shear stress fluid, such as but notlimited to a silicone based solution, that desirably transfers forcesbetween rotating/static faces. The damping element bolt shaft 1818Bextends fully through both the rotatable tapped cap 1812, the fixedelement 1806, and the chamber 1800, while the threaded length 1818Cengages with the fixed element 1806. The distal tip 1818E extends intoand is at least partially enclosed by a bolt tip receiver 1820 of thethumbscrew 1802. The structure of the bolt 1508 limits the motion alongthe bolt elongate axis 1818F of the rotatable tapped cap 1812 inrelation to the fixed element 1806. A notched washer 1816 partiallyencircles the damping element bolt 1508; the notched washer 1816 fitsinto and extends peripherally from the relieved feature 1818D of thedamping element bolt 1508. The damping element bolt 1508 is held inplace in the fully assembled damping element assembly 1504 along thebolt elongate axis 1818F by the combination of the notched washer 1816emplaced about the relieved feature 1818D and the bolt head 1818A.

In operation of the fully assembled damping element assembly 1504, therotatable tapped cap 1812 and the chamber 1800 are pressed between thenotched washer 1816 and the bolt head 1818A. Manual tightening by a userof the thumbscrew 1802 in the counter-clockwise direction affects theengagement and positioning of the bolt threaded length 1818C of the bolt1508 with the tapped hole 1806B of the fixed element 1806 and therebycauses increased compressive force to be applied between the fixedelement 1806 and the rotatable tapped cap 1812 which increases thedamping effect on rotation of the rotatable tapped cap 1812 and the cageplate 1502.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 16B andFIG. 18B, FIG. 18B is a perspective view of the chamber 1800 and thethumbscrew 1802 that form the damping element body 1506. In operation ofthe fully assembled derailleur 1402 as installed on the bicycle 104, thechamber 1800 is rotatably coupled to the guide arm 1608 at the firstdamping receiver 1506A and to the drive arm 1610 at second dampingreceiver 1506B.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 18C andFIG. 15B, each of the screws 1616A-1616C engage individually anddirectly into one of a trio of tapped cap receivers 1812A, 1812B & 1812Cof the rotatable tapped cap 1812. The friction of the damping grease1814 enables the damping element assembly 1504 to reduce undesirableoscillations of the cage plate 1502 and chain 210. A protruding featureof the rotatable tapped cap 1812D fits together with an indented feature1806A located on the fixed element 1806. A flat top 1812E of therotatable tapped cap 1812 includes an anchoring hole 1812F to which thespring 1804 is anchored at one end.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 18D,FIG. 18D is a partial perspective view of the rotatable tapped cap 1812,shown from a different angle. FIG. 18D presents a clarifying view of theprotruding feature 1812D of the rotatable tapped cap 1812, and alsoshows the anchoring hole 1812F for the spring 1804 and a smooth-borehole 1812G. The shaft 1818B of the threaded bolt 1508 extends fullythrough smooth-bore hole 1812G of the rotatable tapped cap 1812, wherebythe rotatable tapped cap 1812 is free to rotate about the shaft 1818B ofthe threaded bolt 1508 in operation of the damping element assembly1504.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 18E,FIG. 18E is a partial perspective view of the fixed element 1806 of thedamping element assembly 1504. FIG. 18E presents the indented feature1806A, which fits together with the protruding feature 1812D of therotatable tapped cap 1812, and also a tapped hole 1806B with which thethreaded length 1818C of the bolt 1508 engages the fixed element 1806.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 18F,FIG. 18F is a partial perspective view of the fixed element 1806,presenting an additional view of the tapped hole 1806B with which thethreaded length 1818E of the bolt 1508 engages the fixed element 1806 inaddition to an extended hexagonal feature 1806C that fits into anindented hexagonal feature 1800A in a base 1800D of the chamber 1800.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 18G,FIG. 18G is a view of an interior of the damping element chamber 1800and the indented hexagonal feature 1800A that receives the extendedhexagonal feature 1806C of the fixed element 1806 and holds the fixedelement in place. Shown also is an anchoring hole 1800B for the spring1804, and a non-threaded hole 1800C through which the bolt 1508 fullytraverses the chamber 1800. A cage bolt stop wall 1800E of the chamber1800 extends outwardly to form a concave surface 1800F.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 18G,FIG. 18J, FIG. 18K and FIG. 18L, in installation of the damping elementchamber 1800, the cage plate 1502 may be rotatably wound around thespring 1804 to load a moment of force within the spring 1804 prior toinstalling the cage stop bolt 1822, whereby the cage bolt stop wall1800E is configured to constrain movement of the cage bolt 1800E whenthe cage bolt 1800E applies force against the concave surface 1800F.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 18H,FIG. 18H is a partial perspective view of the damping assembly 1506.FIG. 18H presents the chamber 1800, the rotatable tapped cap 1812, andthe trio of tapped cap receivers 1812A, 1812B & 1812C and anchoring hole1812F of the rotatable tapped cap 1812.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 18I,FIG. 18I is a partial perspective view of the inside of the dampingelement assembly 1504 with the spring 1804 and the chamber 1800 notincluded in the illustration. FIG. 18I presents the thumbscrew 1802,notched washer 1816, fixed element 1806, rotatable tapped cap 1812, andthe trio of tapped cap receivers 1812A, 1812B & 1812C and anchoring hole1812F of the rotatable tapped cap 1812.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIGS. 18Athrough 18I, the damper assembly provides damping and protection againstroad-generated vibration and perturbance of the chain 210 as shown inFIG. 2A that is generally transferred to the cage plate 1502 through thechain 210, the tension pulley 1510 and the guide pulley 1514, so theuser can more reliably change gears while the vehicle is in motion. Thedamping element assembly 1504 forms a rotating joint between rotatabletapped cap 1812 and fixed element 1806 that allows these two elements1812 and 1806 to shift independently of each other with reduction intransmission of kinetic energy from one to the other and avoiding theestablishment of an inflexible or rigid connection between the twoelements 1812 and 1806. The extended portion 1812D of rotatable tappedcap 1812 fits into the socket 1806A formed for the extended portion1812D by the shape of the fixed element 1806, and the rotatable tappedcap 1812 rotates in articulation with the fixed element 1806, withbushings 1808 & 1810 fitting between the extended portion 1812D andsocket 1806A and to reduce friction between the rotatable tapped cap1812 and the fixed element 1806. The rotatable tapped cap 1812 isdesigned to allow a range of motion in which there is an increasedflexibility and mobility of connection between the chain 210 as shown inFIG. 2A and the guide pulley 1514 and tension pulley 1510 duringoperation of the bicycle 104.

The fixed element 1806 and the rotatable tapped cap 1812 form a hermeticvolume that contains damping grease 1814 and inhibits leakage of thedamping grease 1814 into anywhere else in the damping element assembly1504.

A key function of the spring 1804 is to provide a torsionalcounter-balancing force in damping element assembly 1504 againstmovement of the cage plate 1502. The spring 1804 is anchored to therotatable tapped cap 1812 using the anchoring hole 1812F in the flat toppart 1812E of the rotatable tapped cap 1812 at one end, and to the base1800D of the chamber 1800 using the anchoring hole 1800B. The spring1804 is further compressed between the fixed element 1806 and the base1800D of the chamber 1800, such that the spring 1804 is alwayscompressed and contained between the fixed element 1806 and the base1800D of the chamber 1800.

Adjusting the thumbscrew 1802 can decrease or increase the compressionforce experienced by the damping grease 1814 which accordingly increasesor decreases the damping force provided by the damping element assembly1504. The engagement of the tapped hole 1806B of the fixed element 1806along the threaded length 1818C of the bolt 1508 maintains the grease1814 under compression between the fixed element 1806 and the rotatabletapped cap 1812. Turning the thumbscrew 1802 repositions the location ofthe engagement of the tapped hole 1806B of the fixed element 1806 alongthe threaded length 1818C of the bolt 1508 and thereby increases ordecreases the compressive force applied to the grease 1814 by theenclosure of the grease 1814 between the fixed element 1806 and therotatable tapped cap 1812.

These changes in compression force experienced by the damping grease1814 correspondingly increase or decrease the damping effect acted uponthe spring 1804 against force received by the damping element assembly1504 from the cage plate 1502 and the chain 210. The protrudinghexagonal feature 1806A on the bottom of the fixed element 1806 alwaysfits into the indented hexagonal feature 1800A in the base 1800D of thechamber 1800 regardless of the current tension setting, and thus islocked into a fixed position relative to the chamber 1800, whilearticulating against the rotatable tapped cap 1812 which movesindependently of the position of the chamber 1800.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 18C andFIG. 18J, FIG. 18J is an exploded perspective view of the cage bolt 1822of the chamber 1800 that is adapted to be rotatably seated within andagainst the concave surface 1800F of the cage bolt stop wall 1800E. Atapped cage receiver 1824 extends wholly through the cage plate 1502 isadapted to engage with a threaded length 1826 of the cage bolt 1822.

A trio of untapped plate apertures 1614A, 1614B & 1614C are sized,shaped and positioned in the cage plate 1502 to separately accept andpermit traversal of threaded portions of any one of a trio of cagescrews 1616A, 1616B & 1616C. The cage screws 1616A, 1616B & 1616C areeach sized and shaped to engage with one of a trio of tapped capreceivers 1812A, 1812B & 1812C as presented in FIG. 18C.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 18K,FIG. 18K is a perspective side view of the cage bolt 1822 rotatablyseated within the concave surface 1800F of the cage bolt stop wall1800E, and while the cage plate 1502 and the chamber 1800 are rotatablycoupled. Threaded length 1826 of the cage bolt 1822 is inserted into andcoupled with the tapped cage receiver 1824. The cage bolt 1822 acts tomaintain the “wound” up helical spring inside the chamber 1800 in acompressed state. If the cage bolt 1822 was not present in thederailleur 1402, the spring 1804 would unwind and there would be noforce provided by the spring 1804 against the chain 210 when thederailleur 1402 is installed on the bicycle 104. A main purpose of thecage bolt 1822 is to facilitate in the installation of the derailleur1402 on the bicycle 104. Once the derailleur 1402 has been installed onthe bicycle 104, the user passes the chain 210 about the plurality ofsprockets 1406 and both pulleys 1510 & 1514 attached to the cage plate1502. By coupling the two ends of the chain 210 together, force will beapplied to the pulley 1510 & 1514 so that the cage plate 1502 is biasedto extend downward against the force of the spring 1804, whereby thisdownward force relieves any force acting on the cage bolt 1800E. Thecage bolt 1822 thus mainly has effect when there is no chain 210 passingthrough the derailleur cage plate 1502 and pulleys 1510 & 1514.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 18L,FIG. 18L is an alternate perspective side view of the cage bolt 1822rotatably seated within the concave surface 1800E of the cage bolt stopwall 1800E while the cage plate 1502 and the chamber 1800 are rotatablycoupled.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 19A,FIG. 19B and FIG. 19C, FIG. 19A is a perspective view of the secondcontrol module 1404 in an operational and fully assembled state, andFIG. 19B and FIG. 19C are separate exploded views of the second controlmodule 1404. As shown in FIG. 19A, a module shell 1900 formed by joininga combination of a fixture side panel 1902, a matching side panel 1904and a bottom side panel 1906. The fixture side panel 1902, the matchingside panel 1904 and the bottom side panel 1906 may be coupled by meansof adhesives and/or suitable fastening means known in the art, toinclude screws and tapped receiver features.

The fixture side panel 1902 is sized and shaped to be attached to aclamp feature 1908. The clamp feature 1908 forms three tapped clampreceivers 1908A, 1908B & 1908C that are sized, shaped and adapted toreceive and detachably couple with a prior art clamp (not shown),wherein the prior art clamp is preferably adapted to enable attachmentof the second control module 1404 to the handlebar 112 of the bicycle104. The module shell 1900 when fully assembled positions and partiallyprotects an alternate upshift button 1910, an alternate downshift button1912, an alternate micro-adjust button 1914 and an indicator lightwindow 1916.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 19A,FIG. 19B and FIG. 19C, FIG. 19B is an exploded view of the secondcontrol module 1404. An electronic communications module 1918(hereinafter, “the comms module” 1918) includes a signal and powerrouting control board 1920, from which extend a pair of electrical powercontacts 1920A & 1920B. As further described in reference to FIG. 20,the comms module electrically couples an alternate control modulecontroller 1922 (hereinafter, “the ALT CM controller” 1922, a lightemitting diode 1924, the upshift button 1910, the downshift button 1912,and the micro-adjust button 1914. An alternate control module battery1926 is positioned with the fully assembled second control module 1404to provide electrical power to the pair of electrical power contacts1920A & 1920B. A pair of control module screws 1926A & 1926B are adaptedto extend through the bottom side panel 1906 and to separately engagewith individual tapped receivers (not shown) of the fixture side panel1902 and thereby couple the bottom side panel 1906 with the fixture sidepanel 1902.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 19B andFIG. 19C, FIG. 19C presents a trio of CM shell screws 1900A, 1900B &1900C that are adapted to extend through a trio of individual untappedapertures 1902A of the fixture side panel 1902 and to separately engagewith individual tapped receivers 1908A, 1908B & 1908C of the clampfeature 1908 and thereby couple the clamp feature 1908 with the fixtureside panel 1902.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 20, FIG.20 is a block diagram of an alternate control module circuitry 2000 thatis comprised within the second control module 1404 and includes thecomms module 1918. The derailleur microprocessor 1602S includes theintegrated CM memory 430 and is bi-directionally communicatively coupledby the CM bus 428 with the CM wireless interface 204. The CM bus 428further communicatively couples the CM controller 426 with the alternateupshift button 1910, the alternate downshift button 1912 and thealternate micro-adjust button 1914. The comms bus 428 additionallyreceives electrical power from the alternate control module battery 1926via the pair of electrical power contacts 1920A & 1920B and provideselectrical power to the control module controller 426 and the CMwireless interface 204 and further provides electrical, as directed bythe control module controller 426, to the light emitting diode 1924 viaa control module LED power trace 2002. The signal and power routingcontrol board 1920 is structured to mechanically support the controlmodule controller 426, the CM wireless interface 204, the light emittingdiode 1924 and control module LED power trace 2002

The CM memory 430 stores an alternate control module system softwareALT.CM.SYS.SW (hereinafter “the alternate CM software” ALT.CM.SYS.SW).The alternate CM software ALT.CM.SYS.SW includes software encodedinstruction that enable the control module 108 to instantiate andperform all relevant tasks in the operation of the control module 108and/or the comms module 1918 as required or optionally directed by theinvented method to include the method and the process steps of FIGS. 6through 12 and FIGS. 22 through 25 as disclosed herein. A copy of anencryption/decryption software EN.SW also maintained by the CM memory430 enables the comms module 1918 to encrypt messages prior totransmission and decrypt messages after receipt as required or directedby the invented method to include the method and the process steps ofFIGS. 6 through 12 as disclosed herein. For example, theencryption/decryption software EN.SW enables the comms module 1918 toselectively encrypt information transmitted in step 606 of FIG. 6, 706of FIG. 7, and step 1210 of FIG. 12 prior to said transmissions.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 21, FIG.21 is a block diagram of a derailleur control circuitry 2100 that iscomprised within the derailleur 1402. The derailleur control circuitry2100 includes the derailleur controller module 1602R and elements of thelinear actuator motor assembly 1602J, to include the potentiometer1602I, the motor power and signal pathway 1602L, the linear actuatormicrocontroller 1602M and the linear actuator motor 1602N. An alternatederailleur power and communications bus 2100 bi-directionallycommunicatively couples the derailleur microprocessor 1602S with thederailleur wireless interface 2102 and the intermediate power and signalpathway 1602T via a derailleur internal power and signal pathway 2104.The alternate derailleur power and communications bus 2100 additionallyreceives electrical power sourced from the battery module 1600 via thetrio of electrically conductive threaded contacts 1602W1, 1602W2 &1602W3 and provides electrical power to the derailleur microprocessor1602S with the derailleur wireless interface 2102. The alternatederailleur power and communications bus 2100 additionally provideselectrical power, as directed by the derailleur microprocessor 1602S, tothe intermediate power and signal pathway 1602T via a derailleurinternal power and signal pathway 2104.

Electrical power flows from the derailleur controller module 1602R tothe linear actuator motor assembly 1602J by the electrical connectivityof the intermediate power and signal pathway 1602T and the motor powerand signal pathway 1602L. The electrical connectivity of theintermediate power and signal pathway 1602T and the motor power andsignal pathway 1602L also enable signals to bi-directionally flowbetween the derailleur controller module 1602R to the linear actuatormotor assembly 1602J.

The intermediate power and signal pathway 1602T is electrically coupledwith the linear actuator microcontroller 1602M and enablesbi-directional communication between the linear actuator microcontroller1602M and the derailleur microprocessor 1602S. The electricalconnectivity of the intermediate power and signal pathway 1602T and thelinear actuator microcontroller 1602M further enables signals tobi-directionally flow between the derailleur controller module 1602R tothe linear actuator microcontroller 1602M.

Within the linear actuator motor assembly 1602J, the potentiometer 1602Iprovides electrical signal values that inform the linear actuatormicrocontroller 1602M of the position of the wiper 1602G within theactuator body 1602F. The linear actuator microcontroller 1602Minterprets the electrical values received from the potentiometer 1602Ito provide electrical energy to the linear actuator motor 1602N thatcauses the linear actuator motor 1602N to drive the lead screw 1602K toa position that places the arm 1602C in a location as directed bycommands received from the derailleur controller module 1602R. It isunderstood that the linear actuator microcontroller 1602M may optionallyreceive pulse width modulated signals from the derailleur controllermodule 1602R that are applied the linear actuator microcontroller 1602Min view of electrical values received from the potentiometer 1602I toachieve a positioning of arm 1602C as directed by the derailleurcontroller module 1602R.

The derailleur memory 2106 stores an alternate derailleur systemsoftware GS.SYS.SW (hereinafter “the GS software” ALT.CM.SYS.SW). The GSsoftware ALT.CM.SYS.SW includes software encoded instruction that enablethe derailleur controller module 1602R to instantiate and perform allrelevant tasks in the operation of the derailleur 1402 and/or thederailleur control circuitry 2100 as required or optionally directed bythe invented method, to include the method and the process steps ofFIGS. 6 through 12 and FIGS. 22 through 25 as disclosed herein. Thederailleur memory 2106 additionally stores and enables access to andupdating of the gear PWM value 2004 as a copy or as the master andprevailing instantiation.

A copy of an encryption/decryption software EN2.SW also maintained bythe derailleur memory 2106 enables the derailleur controller module1602R to encrypt messages prior to transmission and decrypt messagesafter receipt as required or directed by the invented method to includethe method and the process steps of FIGS. 6 through 12 as disclosedherein. For example, the second encryption/decryption software EN2.SWenables the derailleur controller module 1602R to selectively decryptencrypted information received in step 608 of FIG. 6, 708 of FIG. 7,step 814 of FIG. 8, 914 of FIG. 9, 1014 of FIG. 10, 1118 of FIG. 11, andstep 1212 of FIG. 12 after receipt of transmissions.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 22, FIG.22 is a block diagram of an instantiation of the gear PWM value table2004 that are reprogrammably associates each of a plurality of gearnumber values GRN.001-GRN.N with individual specific pulse widthmodulation values PWM.VAL.001-PWM.VAL.N in a dedicated individual tablerow 2004R1-2004RN, wherein each pulse width modulation valueWM.VAL.001-PWM.VAL.N specifies a position to along the stroke of thelinear actuator arm 1602C to the linear actuator microcontroller 1602M.The gear number values GRN.001-GRN.N are stored in a first column 2004Aof the gear PWM value table 2004 and the pulse width modulation valuesPWM.VAL.001-PWM.VAL.N are stored in a second column 2004B of the gearPWM value table 2004. In the instantiation of the gear PWM value table2004 depicted in FIG. 22, each pulse width modulation valuePWM.VAL.001-PWM.VAL.N is preferably reprogrammable by a comprisingcircuit 2000 & 2100.

A third column 2004C of the gear PWM value table 2004 stores areprogrammable indication of a reference to a currently selectedreference gear number value GRN.001-GRN.N that has most recently beenprogrammed by a user manipulating, e.g., pressing with fingers, theupshift button 1910 and/or the alternate downshift button 1912. Thecurrently selected reference gear number value GRN.001-GRN.N is thesixth gear number GRN.006 and is denoted by an associated reprogrammableindication value FLAG stored in the third column 2004C and the sixthcolumn 2004R6. All gear number values GRN.001-GRN.N that are notindicated to be the currently selected reference gear number valueGRN.001-GRN are associated with a null value NULL in the third columnposition of their corresponding row 2004R1-2004R5 & 2004R7-2004RN.

The CM wireless communications interface 204 and derailleur wirelessinterface 2102 are selected, configure, paired and adapted to enablecommunications between the second control module 1404 and the 1602S byone or more wireless communications standards, to include the Bluetoothwireless communications standard, the WiFi standard and the Wireless Nstandard, the Bluetooth low energy standard, and the ANT standard.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 23, FIG.23 is a software flowchart of the derailleur 1402 operating inaccordance with wireless communications received from the second controlmodule 1404. It is understood that the execution of steps 2300 through2318 by the second control system 1404 in accordance with theinstructions stored in or generated by the alternate derailleur systemsoftware GS.SYS.SW.

An exemplary operation of the derailleur 1402 will now be described, forclarity of explanation and not offered as limitation, in reference tothe instantiation of the gear PWM value table 2004 as presented in FIG.22. It is understood that where an alternate gear number valueGRN.001-GRN.005 & GRN.007-GRN.N is indicated in the gear PWM value table2004, the derailleur 1402 will start from step 2303 from an thealternately indicated gear number value GRN.001-GRN.005 & GRN.007-GRN.N.

In step 2300 the derailleur 1402 powers up and in step 2302 reads andapplies the referenced sixth gear number value GRN.006 by issuing asignal pulse sized and shaped in accordance with the reprogrammablepulse width parameters stored as the sixth pulse width modulation valuePWM.VAL.006 of the gear PWM value table 2004. The signal pulse generatedin step 2302 is transmitted from the derailleur microprocessor 1602S tothe linear actuator microcontroller 1602M, whereupon the linear actuatormicrocontroller 1602M powers the linear motor 1602N until a currentreading of the potentiometer 1602I indicates that position of the wiper1602G corresponds to a position associated with the signal pulsegenerated in step 2302 as received by the linear actuatormicrocontroller 1602M. The derailleur 1402 determines in step 2304whether a derailleur adjustment message ADJ.MSG.001, as furtherdiscussed regarding and shown in FIG. 26A, directing an adjustment ofthe reference gear indication FLAG/NULL in the gear value table 2004 hasbeen received from the second control module 1404 by wirelesstransmission. When the derailleur 1402 determines in step 2304 that aderailleur adjustment message ADJ.MSG.001 has been received from thesecond control module 1404 that directs an adjustment of the referencegear indication FLAG/NULL in the gear value table 2004, in step 2306 thesecond control module 1404 increments of decrements the indication ofthe reference gear number value GRN.001-GRN.N from GRN.006 as indicatedin the derailleur adjustment message ADJ.MSG.001 received from thesecond control module 1404.

In step 2308 the derailleur microprocessor 1602S issues a signal pulseto the linear actuator microcontroller 1602M that is sized and shaped inaccordance with the reprogrammable pulse width parameters stored as thepulse width modulation value PWM.VAL.006 associated with the newlyindicated reference number value GRN.001-GRN.N as stored in the gear PWMvalue table 2004. The signal pulse generated in step 2308 is transmittedfrom the derailleur microprocessor 1602S to the linear actuatormicrocontroller 1602M, whereupon the linear actuator microcontroller1602M powers the linear motor 1602N until a current reading of thepotentiometer 1602I indicates that position of the wiper 1602Gcorresponds to a position associated with the signal pulse generated instep 2308 and as most recently received by the linear actuatormicrocontroller 1602M.

In step 2310 the derailleur 1402 determines whether a derailleuradjustment message ADJ.MSG.001 received from the second control module1404 by wireless transmission has been received by the derailleurwireless interface 2102 that directs an incrementing or a decrementingof a pulse width modulation value PWM.VAL.001-PWM.VAL.N as stored in thegear PWM value table 2004 and is associated with the currently indicatedreference gear number value number GRN.001-GRN.N.

When the derailleur 1402 determines in step 2310 that a derailleuradjustment message ADJ.MSG.001 directing an incrementing or adecrementing of the pulse width modulation value PWM.VAL.001-PWM.VAL.Nhas not been received by the derailleur wireless interface 2102 bywireless transmission, the derailleur microprocessor 1602S proceeds onto step 2312 and to determine whether to proceed on to step 2314 and topower down, or to alternatively proceed back to perform an additionaland following execution of step 2304.

In the alternative, when the derailleur 1402 determines in step 2310that a derailleur adjustment message ADJ.MSG.001 directing anincrementing or a decrementing of the pulse width modulation valuePWM.VAL.001-PWM.VAL.N has been received by the derailleur wirelessinterface 2102, the derailleur microprocessor 1602S proceeds on to step2316 and modify, in accordance with the signal detected in step 2310,the pulse width modulation value PWM.VAL.001-PWM.VAL.N as stored in thegear PWM value table 2004 associated with the currently indicatedreference gear number value number value GRN.001-GRN.N.

In step 2318 the derailleur microprocessor 1602S issues a signal pulseto the linear actuator microcontroller 1602M that is sized and shaped inaccordance with the reprogrammable pulse width parameters stored as therecently revised pulse width modulation value PWM.VAL.006-PWM.CAL.Nassociated with the indicated reference number value GRN.001-GRN.N asstored in the gear PWM value table 2004. The signal pulse generated instep 2318 is transmitted from the derailleur microprocessor 1602S to thelinear actuator microcontroller 1602M, whereupon the linear actuatormicrocontroller 1602M powers the linear motor 1602N until a currentreading of the potentiometer 1602I indicates that position of the wiper1602G corresponds to a position associated with the signal pulsegenerated in step 2318 and as most recently received by the linearactuator microcontroller 1602M. The derailleur microprocessor 1602Sproceeds from step 2318 and proceeds back to perform a followingadditional execution of step 2310.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 24, FIG.24 is a software flowchart of the second control system 1404 operatingin accordance with wireless communications with the derailleur 1402. Anexemplary operation of the derailleur 1402 will now be described, forclarity of explanation and not offered as limitation, in reference tothe instantiation of the gear PWM value table 2004 as presented in FIG.22. It is understood that the execution of steps 2400 through 2432 bythe second control system 1404 in accordance with the instructionsstored in or generated by the alternate CM software ALT.CM.SYS.SW.

In step 2400 the second control system 1404 powers up and proceeds tostep 2402 to determine whether the ALT CM controller 1922 has detectedan actuation signal received from the micro-adjust button 1914. When theALT CM controller 1922 in step 2402 determines that no newly generatedactuation signal has been received from the micro-adjust button 1914,the ALT CM controller 1922 proceeds on to step 2402

In step 2404 the ALT CM controller 1922 determines whether it hasdetected an actuation signal received from the upshift button 1910. Whenthe ALT CM controller 1922 in step 2404 determines that no newlygenerated actuation signal has been received from the upshift button1910, the ALT CM controller 1922 proceeds on to step 2406.

In step 2406 the ALT CM controller 1922 determines whether it hasdetected an actuation signal received from the downshift button 1912.When the ALT CM controller 1922 in step 2406 determines that no newlygenerated actuation signal has been received from the downshift button1912, the ALT CM controller 1922 proceeds on to step 2406.

In an alternative outcome to step 2404, when the ALT CM controller 1922in step 2404 determines that a newly generated actuation signal has beenreceived from the upshift button 1910, the ALT CM controller 1922proceeds on to either optional step 2408 or a signal transmission step2410. In optional step 2408 the ALT CM controller 1922 accesses the gearPWM value table 2004 proceeds on to modify, in accordance with theupshift input detected in step 2404, the currently indicated referencegear number value GRN.001-GRN.N to the next higher gear number valueGRN.001-GRN.N. The ALT CM controller 1922 proceeds from optional step2408 to step 2410 and transmits the derailleur adjustment messageADJ.MSG.001 bearing the newly established gear number valueGRN.001-GRN.N to the derailleur wireless interface 2102. The ALT CMcontroller 1922 proceeds from step 2410 to an additional execution ofstep 2402.

In yet an alternative outcome to step 2404, when the ALT CM controller1922 in step 2404 determines that a newly generated actuation signal hasbeen received from the upshift button 1910, the ALT CM controller 1922proceeds directly on to signal transmission step 2414 and formats andtransmits a derailleur adjustment message ADJ.MSG.001 directing thederailleur wireless interface 2102 to (1.) associate the reprogrammableindication value FLAG with a next higher gear number value GRN.001-GRN.Nthan the gear number value GRN.001-GRN.N presently associated with thereprogrammable indication value FLAG; and (2.) revise the previousassociation of that lower gear number value GRN.001-GRN.N from theindication value FLAG to the null value NULL. The ALT CM controller 1922proceeds from step 2410 to an additional execution of step 2402.

In an alternative outcome to step 2406, when the ALT CM controller 1922in step 2404 determines that a newly generated actuation signal has beenreceived from the downshift button 1912, the ALT CM controller 1922proceeds on to either optional step 24012 or a signal transmission step2414. In optional step 2410 the ALT CM controller 1922 accesses the gearPWM value table 2004 proceeds on to modify, in accordance with thedownshift input detected in step 2406, the currently indicated referencegear number value GRN.001-GRN.N to the next lower gear number valueGRN.001-GRN.N. The ALT CM controller 1922 proceeds from optional step2412 to step 2414 and transmits a wireless signal bearing the newlyestablished gear number value GRN.001-GRN.N to the derailleur wirelessinterface 2102.

In yet an alternative outcome to step 2406, when the ALT CM controller1922 in step 2406 determines that a newly generated actuation signal hasbeen received from the downshift button 1912, the ALT CM controller 1922may proceed directly on to signal transmission step 2414 and format andtransmit a derailleur adjustment message ADJ.MSG.001 directing thederailleur wireless interface 2102 to (1.) associate the reprogrammableindication value FLAG with a next lower gear number value GRN.001-GRN.Nthan the gear number value GRN.001-GRN.N presently associated with thereprogrammable indication value FLAG; and (2.) revise the previousassociation of that higher gear number value GRN.001-GRN.N from theindication value FLAG to the null value NULL.

The ALT CM controller 1922 proceeds from either step 2406 or step 2414to an additional execution of step 2402.

In an alternative outcome to step 2402, when the ALT CM controller 1922in step 2404 determines that a newly generated actuation signal has beenreceived from the micro-adjust button 1914, the ALT CM controller 1922proceeds on to step 2416. In step 2416 the ALT CM controller 1922determines whether it has detected an actuation signal received from theupshift button 1910. When the ALT CM controller 1922 in step 2416determines that no newly generated actuation signal has been receivedfrom the upshift button 1910, the ALT CM controller 1922 proceeds on tostep 2418. In step 2418 the ALT CM controller 1922 determines whether ithas detected an actuation signal received from the downshift button1912. When the ALT CM controller 1922 in step 2418 determines that nonewly generated actuation signal has been received from the downshiftbutton 1912, the ALT CM controller 1922 proceeds on to step 2420.

In step 2420, when the ALT CM controller 1922 determines that a newlygenerated actuation signal has been received from the micro-adjustbutton 1914, the ALT CM controller 1922 proceeds on to step 2422. In analternative outcome to step 2420, when the ALT CM controller 1922determines that a newly generated actuation signal has not been receivedfrom the micro-adjust button 1914, the ALT CM controller 1922 proceedson to perform an additional execution of step 2416.

In step 2422, the ALT CM controller 1922 determines whether to performan additional execution of step 2402 or to proceed on to step 2424 andto power down.

In an alternative outcome to step 2416, when the ALT CM controller 1922in step 2416 determines that a newly generated actuation signal has beenreceived from the upshift button 1910, the ALT CM controller 1922proceeds on to either optional step 2426 or a signal transmission step2428.

In optional step 2426 the ALT CM controller 1922 accesses the gear PWMvalue table 2004 and proceeds on to increment, in accordance with theupshift input detected in step 2416, the pulse width modulation valuePWM.VAL.001-PWM.VAL.N associated with the currently indicated referencegear number value GRN.001-GRN.N. The ALT CM controller 1922 proceedsfrom optional step 2426 to step 2428 and transmits a wireless signalbearing the newly incremented pulse width modulation valuePWM.VAL.001-PWM.VAL.N and optionally the currently indicated referencegear number value GRN.001-GRN.N to the derailleur wireless interface2102.

In yet an alternative outcome to step 2416, when the ALT CM controller1922 in step 2416 determines that a newly generated actuation signal hasbeen received from the upshift button 1910, the ALT CM controller 1922proceeds directly on to signal transmission step 2428 and transmits awireless signal directing the derailleur wireless interface 2102 toincrement the pulse width modulation value PWM.VAL.001-PWM.VAL.Nassociated with the currently indicated reference gear number valueGRN.001-GRN.N.

The ALT CM controller 1922 proceeds from either step 2426 or step 2428to step 2418.

In an alternative outcome to step 2418, when the ALT CM controller 1922in step 2418 determines that a newly generated actuation signal has beenreceived from the downshift button 1912, the ALT CM controller 1922proceeds on to either optional step 2430 or a signal transmission step2432.

In optional step 2430 the ALT CM controller 1922 accesses the gear PWMvalue table 2004 and proceeds on to decrement, in accordance with thedownshift input detected in step 2416, the pulse width modulation valuePWM.VAL.001-PWM.VAL.N associated with the currently indicated referencegear number value GRN.001-GRN.N. The ALT CM controller 1922 proceedsfrom optional step 2430 to step 2432 and transmits a wireless signalbearing the newly decremented pulse width modulation valuePWM.VAL.001-PWM.VAL.N and optionally the currently indicated referencegear number value GRN.001-GRN.N to the derailleur wireless interface2102.

In yet an alternative outcome to step 2418, when the ALT CM controller1922 in step 2416 determines that a newly generated actuation signal hasbeen received from the downshift button 1912, the ALT CM controller 1922proceeds directly on to signal transmission step 2432 and transmits awireless signal directing the derailleur wireless interface 2102 todecrement the pulse width modulation value PWM.VAL.001-PWM.VAL.Nassociated with the currently indicated reference gear number valueGRN.001-GRN.N.

The ALT CM controller 1922 proceeds from either step 2430 or step 2432to step 2420.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 25 andFIG. 26B, FIG. 25 is a software flowchart of the derailleur 1402operating in accordance with wireless communications received from thesecond control module 1404. It is understood that the execution of steps2500 through 2518 by the second control system 1404 in accordance withthe instructions stored in or generated by the alternate derailleursystem software GS.SYS.SW.

An exemplary operation of the derailleur 1402 will now be described, forclarity of explanation and not offered as limitation, in reference tothe instantiation of the gear PWM value table 2004 as presented in FIG.22 and referred to in the description of FIG. 26B.

In step 2500 the derailleur 1402 powers up and in step 2502 reads andapplies the referenced sixth gear number value GRN.006 by issuing asignal pulse sized and shaped in accordance with the reprogrammablepulse width parameters stored as the sixth pulse width modulation valuePWM.VAL.006 of the gear PWM value table 2004. The signal pulse generatedin step 2502 is transmitted from the derailleur microprocessor 1602S tothe linear actuator microcontroller 1602M, whereupon the linear actuatormicrocontroller 1602M powers the linear motor 1602N until a currentreading of the potentiometer 1602I indicates that position of the wiper1602G corresponds to a position associated with the signal pulsegenerated in step 2502 as received by the linear actuatormicrocontroller 1602M. The derailleur 1402 determines in step 2504whether a value reprogramming message RPGM.MSG.001, as further discussedregarding and shown in FIG. 26B, directing a reprogramming of thereference gear indication FLAG/NULL in the gear value table 2004 hasbeen received from the second control module 1404 by wirelesstransmission. When the derailleur 1402 determines in step 2504 that avalue reprogramming message RPGM.MSG.001 has been received from thesecond control module 1404 that directs a reprogramming of the referencegear indication FLAG/NULL in the gear value table 2004, in step 2506 thesecond control module 1404 reprograms the indication of the referencegear number value number value GRN.001-GRN.N from GRN.006 as indicatedin the most recently received value reprogramming message RPGM.MSG.001.

In step 2508 the derailleur microprocessor 1602S issues a signal pulseto the linear actuator microcontroller 1602M that is sized and shaped inaccordance with the reprogrammable pulse width parameters stored as thepulse width modulation value PWM.VAL.006 associated with the newlyindicated reference number value GRN.001-GRN.N as stored in the gear PWMvalue table 2004. The signal pulse generated in step 2508 is transmittedfrom the derailleur microprocessor 1602S to the linear actuatormicrocontroller 1602M, whereupon the linear actuator microcontroller1602M powers the linear motor 1602N until a current reading of thepotentiometer 1602I indicates that position of the wiper 1602Gcorresponds to a position associated with the signal pulse generated instep 2508 and as most recently received by the linear actuatormicrocontroller 1602M.

In step 2510 the derailleur 1402 determines whether a valuereprogramming message RPGM.MSG.001 received from the second controlmodule 1404 by wireless transmission has been received by the derailleurwireless interface 2102 that directs a reprogramming of the pulse widthmodulation value PWM.VAL.001-PWM.VAL.N stored in the gear PWM valuetable 2004 and associated with the currently indicated reference gearnumber value GRN.001-GRN.N.

When the derailleur 1402 determines in step 2510 that a valuereprogramming message RPGM.MSG.001 directing a reprogramming of a pulsewidth modulation value PWM.VAL.001-PWM.VAL.N has not been received bythe derailleur wireless interface 2102 by wireless transmission, thederailleur microprocessor 1602S proceeds on to step 2512 and todetermine whether to proceed on to step 2514 and to power down, or toalternatively proceed back to perform an additional and followingexecution of step 2504.

In the alternative, when the derailleur 1402 determines in step 2510that a value reprogramming message RPGM.MSG.001 directing reprogrammingof the pulse width modulation value PWM.VAL.001-PWM.VAL.N has beenreceived by the derailleur wireless interface 2102, the derailleurmicroprocessor 1602S proceeds on to step 2516 and reprograms, inaccordance with the value reprogramming message RPGM.MSG.001 detected instep 2510, the pulse width modulation value PWM.VAL.001-PWM.VAL.N storedin the gear PWM value table 2004 and associated with the currentlyindicated reference gear number value number value GRN.001-GRN.N.

In step 2518 the derailleur microprocessor 1602S issues a signal pulseto the linear actuator microcontroller 1602M that is sized and shaped inaccordance with the reprogrammable pulse width parameters stored as therecently reprogrammed pulse width modulation value PWM.VAL.006-PWM.CAL.Nassociated with the indicated reference number value GRN.001-GRN.N asstored in the gear PWM value table 2004. The signal pulse generated instep 2518 is transmitted from the derailleur microprocessor 1602S to thelinear actuator microcontroller 1602M, whereupon the linear actuatormicrocontroller 1602M powers the linear motor 1602N until a currentreading of the potentiometer 1602I indicates that position of the wiper1602G corresponds to a position associated with the signal pulsegenerated in step 2518 and as most recently received by the linearactuator microcontroller 1602M. The derailleur microprocessor 1602Sproceeds from step 2518 and proceeds back to perform a followingadditional execution of step 2510.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 26A andFIG. 23, FIG. 26A is a block diagram of an exemplary derailleuradjustment message ADJ.MSG.001. The derailleur adjustment messageADJ.MSG.001 includes a message identifier AMSG.ID.001, a derailleurwireless address ADDR.DR of the derailleur 1402 as stored in thederailleur controller module 1602R as the destination address; acontroller wireless address ADDR.CN of the second control module 1404 asstored in the the comms module 1918 as the sender address; a selectionbit GN-PWM that indicates whether an association of gear numberreference FLAG with a gear number GRN.001-GRN.N of the gear PWM valuetable 2004 is to be adjusted or a pulse width modulation valuePWM.001-PWM-N of the same gear PWM value table 2004 is to be adjusted;and a decrement/increment bit UP-DOWN that indicates whether (1.) thecurrent association of the gear number reference FLAG with a gear numberGRN.001-GRN.N is to be incremented or decremented by gear numberGRN.001-GRN.N, or the pulse width modulation value PWM.001-PWM-Nassociated with the currently indicated reference gear number gearnumber GRN.001-GRN.N of the gear PWM value table 2004 is to beincremented or decremented. The derailleur adjustment messageADJ.MSG.001 may optionally include an adjustment message date time stampDTS.001.

It is understood that the derailleur controller module 1602R applies theselection bit GN-PWM in step 2304 and step 2310 of the method of FIG.23, and further that the derailleur controller module 1602R applies thedecrement/increment bit UP-DOWN in steps 2306 and 2316 of the method ofFIG. 23.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 26B andFIG. 23, FIG. 26B is a block diagram of an exemplary value reprogrammingmessage RPGM.MSG.001. The value reprogramming message RPGM.MSG.001includes a reprogramming message identifier RMSG.ID.001, a derailleurwireless address ADDR.DR of the derailleur 1402 as stored in thederailleur controller module 1602R included as the destination address;a controller wireless address ADDR.CN of the second control module 1404as stored in the comms module 1918 as the sender; a selection bit GN-PWMthat indicates whether an association of the gear number reference FLAGwith a gear number GRN.001-GRN.N of the gear PWM value table 2004 is tobe reprogrammed, or a pulse width modulation value PWM.001-PWM-N of thegear PWM value table 2004 is to be reprogrammed; and a new value datumVAL.NEW that is to be entered into the gear PWM value table 2004 aseither (a.) a new reference gear number value GRN.001-GRN.N to beindicated by the reference indicator FLAG, or (b.) as a new pulse widthmodulation value to be entered as a new pulse width modulation valuePWM.VAL.001-PWM.VAL.N that is associated with the currently indicatedreference gear GRN.001-GRN.N of the PWM value table 2004.

It is understood that the derailleur controller module 1602R applies theselection bit GN-PWM in step 2504 and step 2510, and further that thederailleur controller module 1602R reprograms the gear PWM value table2004 with the new value datum VAL.NEW in steps 2506 and 2516.

The reprogramming message RPGM.MDG.001 may optionally include areprogramming message date time stamp DTS.002.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 27, FIG.27 is a process chart of a user experience of the invented gearshiftsystem 1400 in riding the bicycle 104 and directing micro-adjustments ofthe pulse width modulation values PWM.VAL.001-PWM.N. In step 2700 theuser mounts the bike 104 and rotates one or more bicycle pedals 114 &116, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 14, to engage the derailleur 1402 withthe plurality of sprockets 1406. In step 2702 the user decides whetherto adjust a pulse width modulation value PWM.VAL.001-PWM.N or to proceedon to step 2704 to consider stopping the present use of the bicycle 104in step 2706. In step 2708 the user may adjust a pulse width modulationvalue PWM.VAL.001-PWM.N by manually depressing the micro-adjust button1914 for 1 second or more. In step 2710 the user may direct the inventedgearshift system to adjust and apply a micro-adjustment of the currentlyapplied pulse width modulation value PWM.VAL.001-PWM.N by manuallydepressing either the upshift button 1910 or the downshift button 1912.Each press of the upshift button 1910 directs the invented gearshiftsystem to increase the stored pulse width modulation valuePWM.VAL.001-PWM.N by 5 μsec. Each press of the downshift button 1912directs the invented gearshift system to decrease the stored pulse widthmodulation value PWM.VAL.001-PWM.N by 5 μsec. The user may then chooseto evaluate any perceived difference in performance of the derailleur1402 and/or the bicycle 104 in step 2712. In step 2714 the user mayelect to continue directing micro-adjustments of the selected pulsewidth modulation value PWM.VAL.001-PWM.N by returning to an additionalexecution of step 2710, or alternatively, to end the presentmicro-adjustment session by manually depressing the micro-adjust button1914 for 0.5 seconds or more.

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term“comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to beopen ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features,elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not excludethe presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups,integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words havingsimilar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and theirderivatives. Also, the terms “part,” “section,” “portion,” “member” or“element” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of asingle part or a plurality of parts. Finally, terms of degree such as“substantially”, “about” and “approximately” as used herein mean areasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the endresult is not significantly changed.

While selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the inventedsystem, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from thisdisclosure that various changes and modifications can be made hereinwithout departing from the scope of the invention as defined in theappended claims. For example, the size, shape, location or orientationof the various components can be changed as needed and/or desired.Components that are shown directly connected or contacting each othercan have intermediate structures disposed between them. The functions ofone element can be performed by two, and vice versa. The structures andfunctions of one embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment, it isnot necessary for all advantages to be present in a particularembodiment at the same time. Every feature which is unique from theprior art, alone or in combination with other features, also should beconsidered a separate description of further inventions by theapplicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodiedby such feature(s). Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the embodimentsaccording to the present invention are provided for illustration only,and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by theappended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A damping device comprised within a derailleur ofa bicycle, the derailleur including a gear selection assembly and a gearguide pulley, the damping device comprising: an annular chamber, thechamber rotatably coupled with the gear selection assembly; a rotatingelement, the rotating element rotatably coupled with the chamber andfixedly coupled with the gear guide pulley; and a damping grease volume,the damping grease volume contained between the chamber and the rotatingelement and transferring force travelling from the chamber and to therotating element.
 2. The damping device of claim 1, the chamber furthera first attachment point at which the chamber is rotatably coupled withthe gear selection assembly.
 3. The damping device of claim 2, thechamber further comprising a second attachment point at which thechamber is additionally rotatably coupled with the gear selectionassembly.
 4. The damping device of claim 1, further comprising a fixedelement fixedly coupled within the chamber, wherein the damping greasevolume is maintained in compression between the fixed element and therotating element.
 5. The damping device of claim 1, further comprising:a fixed element slidably coupled within the chamber, wherein the dampinggrease volume is maintained in compression between the fixed element andthe rotating element; and a spring positioned within the chamber,wherein the spring provides spring force against the fixed element andthe spring force is transferred through the damping grease and to therotating element.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein a cage arm isdisposed between and fixedly attached to both the rotating element andthe gear guide pulley.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the dampinggrease volume comprises silicone.
 8. The device of claim 1, furthercomprising: an untapped rotating element aperture; an untapped chamberaperture; and a bolt extending through the rotating element aperture andthe chamber aperture.
 9. The device of claim 8, further comprising: afixed element having a tapped aperture, the fixed element slidablycoupled within the chamber, wherein the damping grease volume ismaintained in compression between the fixed element and the rotatingelement; a threaded length of the bolt distal from the rotating element;and a tapped receiver of the fixed element, wherein the threaded lengthof the bolt rotatably engages with the tapped receiver of the fixedelement.
 10. The device of claim 9, further comprising a springpositioned within the chamber, wherein the spring provides spring forceagainst the fixed element and the spring force is transferred throughthe damping grease and to the rotating element.
 11. The device of claim1, the bolt further comprising bolt head, the bolt head adapted to pressthe rotating element toward the chamber and maintain a coupling of therotating element and the chamber.
 12. The device of claim 1, furthercomprising: a fixed element slidably coupled within the chamber, whereinthe damping grease volume is maintained in compression between the fixedelement and the rotating element; a spring positioned within thechamber, wherein the spring provides spring force against the fixedelement and the spring force is transferred through the damping greaseand to the rotating element; an untapped rotating element aperture; anuntapped chamber aperture; a bolt extending through the rotating elementaperture and the chamber aperture, the bolt having a threaded boltlength positioned distally from the rotating element; and a fixedelement tapped receiver, the fixed element slidably coupled within thechamber, wherein the threaded length of the bolt rotatably engages withthe tapped receiver of the fixed element, whereby the damping greasevolume is maintained in compression between the fixed element and therotating element.
 13. The device of claim 12, further comprising: a bolthead relieved channel of the bolt, the bolt head relieved channel distalfrom the rotating element and positioned outside of the chamber; and anotched clip, the notched clip adapted to fit onto the bolt headrelieved channel and extend peripherally beyond the bolt head relievedchannel, whereby the notched clip maintains a coupling of the rotatingelement and the chamber.
 14. The device of claim 13, further comprisinga thumbscrew, the thumbscrew having a thumbscrew receiver positioned ata bolt tip located distally from the bolt head and the thumbscrewreceiver accepting the bolt tip.
 15. The device of claim 14, furthercomprising a first bushing positioned between the fixed element and therotating element.
 16. The device of claim 15, further comprising asecond bushing positioned between the fixed element and the firstbushing.
 17. The device of claim 12, further comprising: a chamberinternal receiver, the chamber internal receiver positioned proximatelyto the fixed element and extending partially along the bolt; and a fixedelement extension, the fixed element extending into the chamber internalreceiver and the chamber internal receiver inhibiting rotational motionof the fixed element about the bolt.
 18. The device of claim 17, whereinthe untapped chamber aperture extends centrally fully through thechamber internal receiver.
 19. The device of claim 18, wherein thetapped fixed element aperture extends centrally fully through the fixedelement extension.
 20. The device of claim 17, wherein the fixed elementextension forms at least three sides that extend in parallel with thebolt.
 21. The device of claim 1, wherein the gear selection assemblycomprises a linear actuator rotatably coupled with a drive arm, and thedrive arm is rotatably coupled to the chamber.
 22. The device of claim5, wherein the gear selection assembly comprises a linear actuatorrotatably coupled with a drive arm, and the drive arm is rotatablycoupled to the chamber.
 23. The device of claim 6, wherein the gearselection assembly comprises a linear actuator rotatably coupled with aguide arm, and the guide arm is rotatably coupled to the chamber.